Lower Clandeboye

Lower Clandeboye and Carrickfergus

County Antrim

1540-1602


March 3, 1543
King's letter addressed to the Lord Deputy and Council, in which the King disapproves of the view of the revenue and charges transmitted to him as imperfect, and requires another more full and accurate and amongst others, orders, inquires what is the value of the lands of Claneboye, and whether it would be expedient to grant them to Neill Connelaghe, nephew of the Earl of Tyrone, agreeably to the petition of the said Neill; and instructs the Lord Deputy to assure Neyle that, doing his duty as be hath done, the King would extend his grace and favour in such sort towards him as should be both to his honor and profit; specifies the wages of George Carey, and that he should have two horsemen able to serve, and ready at the commandment of the Deputy.
[Calendar of the Patent and Close Rolls of Chancery in Ireland of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth (Dublin, 1861), Vol. I, p. 99]

May 8, 1552
Book by Sir Thomas Cusake, Lord Chancellor, sent to the Duke of Northumberland. Present state of Ireland.

"In Claneboy is one Moriertaghe Dulenaghe, one of the Neills, who hath the name as Captain of Claneboy, but he is not able to maintain the same; he hath eight tall gentlemen to his sons and all they cannot make past 24 horsemen. There is another sept in that country of Felim Bacagh's sons, tall men, which taketh part with Hugh M'Neill Oge, till now of late. The same Hugh was preyed by Marshal Bagenall, who has made preys upon other of those confines for the same. The said Hugh went to Colla M'Donnell (Connell) who landed with 140 bows."
[Calendar of State Papers relating to Ireland 1509-1573 (London, 1860), Vol. I, p. 126]

May 20, 1567
Pardon to Conatius M'Neyle Oighe, of Clanboye, in Ulster, gent.
[The Eleventh Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1879): Appendix to Eleventh Report, p. 161, no. 1160]

May 4, 1570
Commission to William Piers, esq., seneschal of Clannyboy, sir Brian m�Phelim, knt., the mayor of Carickfergus for the time being, captain Thomas Cheston, gent., Robert Munckoman provost marshal, and Thomas Stephenson, burgess of Carikfergus; to survey and make enquiry into the countries or territories of Arde, as well this side Blackstafe as the other side, Copelande islands the Dufferin, Clandeboy, Kilultoghe, the Glynes with the RaughIines, Momerie, and Carie, the Rowte M'William (M'Quillan), and all lands between lough Coine and longh Eaghe, and the water of Strangforde and the Banne, that are not shire ground, or are doubtful to what shire they belong; to limit and nominate them a shire or county ; to divide them into countries, barony or hundreds, or to join them to any existing shire or barony and to certify their proceedings to the lord deputy with all convenient speed.To certify their proceedings before the 1st August.
[The Eleventh Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1879): Appendix to Eleventh Report, p. 231, no. 1530]

July 6, 1571
Letter by Sir Brian M'Felim to the Queen, to confirm to him and his heirs as her gift, the lands of old belonging to his ancestors Lords of Claneboy, on both sides of the Ban. Services. Dated at Belfast.
[Calendar of State Papers relating to Ireland 1509-1573 (London, 1860), Vol. I, p. 451]

March 27, 1572
Letter by Bernardus O'Nele filius Phelimei Claudi, i. e., Sir Brian M'Felim, to the Queen. Report that she has granted the greater part of his inheritance to Sir Thomas Smith. Claneboy has been in possession of Sir Brian's ancestors for more than fourteen generations. He desires he may have the government of it still. Latin. Written at Carrickfergus.
[Calendar of State Papers relating to Ireland 1509-1573 (London, 1860), Vol. I, p. 469]

March 27, 1572
Letter by Sir Brian O'Neill M'Phelim Bacho, i. e., Sir Brian M'Felim, to the Privy Council. "There have bene certaine bookes spred in print that it hath pleased the Queue's Highnes to geve unto Sir Thomas Smith, Knight, and Thomas Smith his sonne, some parte of the contrie the which hath bene posessed by myne auncestours above fourtene discents as their inheritaunce, namely, Clandeboye�. Prays that he may have the grant of the lands of his inheritance, in consideration of his long and painful service always since his childhood. Written at Knockfergus.
[Calendar of State Papers relating to Ireland 1509-1573 (London, 1860), Vol. I, p. 469]

May 17, 1572
Pardon to Brian or Breyn m'Phelym, of Clandeboy in Ulster, knt., provided that within six months he appear before Commissioners and give security to keep the peace and answer at sessions when called upon in Ulster. Fine 400 good fat cows.
[The Twentieth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1888): Appendix to Twentieth Report, p. 73, no. 2106]

December 10, 1572
Pardon to Brian m'Phelym alias Bernard son of Phelym, of Clandeboy in Ulster, knt.
[The Twentieth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1888): Appendix to Twentieth Report, p. 82, no. 2180]

November 2, 1573
Instructions given by Essex to Edward Waterhous to inform the Privy Council. State of the North when Essex arrived. Causes of Sir B. M'Felim's revolt. Confederacy in Ulster between Turlough Lynagh, Maguire, and the Scots under Sorley Boy and M'Gillaspick, O'Cahan, M'Quillin. O'Donnell's fair show and message. The Baron of Dungannon to be advanced as Tyrone. A corporate town to be erected near Belfast. The fortification for the circuit, and a store house for victuals to be made at the Queen's charges, all other buildings at the cost of Essex and the planters; and for the doing thereof Robert Lythe, the engineer, or some other skilful in fortification should be sent, who shall also build a bridge upon the Lagan without Her Majesty's charge. Bridges. To request that Sorley Boy may enjoy by grant from Her Majesty a portion of the Glynns claimed by him by inheritance from the Missetts (Bissetts). To make Sorley Boy a denizen and assign him a service in lieu of rent as captain of Her Majesty's kerne, which he, being a mercenary man and a soldier, will easily consent unto. To desire that Hugh M'Felim, brother to Sir Brian M'Felim, and who challenges the country of Claneboy upon the north side of the Bay of Knockfergus, and Con M'Neill Oge who was Lord of Claneboy, on the south side of the bay, may be released cut of Dublin Castle and put into his hands. Essex to have two of the Council of Ireland continually resident with him in Ulster.
[Calendar of State Papers relating to Ireland 1509-1573 (London, 1860), Vol. I, p. 526]

March 8, 1576-7
Grant to Tho. Sackforde, esq.; of the office of seneschal of the country of Claneboy in co. Antrim. To hold during pleasure. With power to assemble all the inhabitants, for defence of the country, suppression of rebels, and punishment of malefactors. Also to punish by martial law, except those who have �10 in goods or 40s. in freehold; to treat with traitors; and do all other things that any other seneschal may. Dated 8 March, xix. (1576-7).
[The Thirteenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1881): Appendix to Thirteenth Report, p. 23, no. 2979]

November 4, 1577
Lease (under commission, 6 Aug., xvii.) to Arthur Starkye, gent.; of a house with a parcel of land occupied by him in Carickfergus, co. Antrim, bounded on the east by the castle, south by land of John Ansop, west by land of Wm. Piers, gent., and north by the town wall, parcel of the queen's ancient inheritance. To hold for 21 years. Rent 6s. 3d. Provision as in 2970. Fine 6s.
[The Thirteenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1881): Appendix to Thirteenth Report, p. 52, no. 3135]

September 4, 1583
Grant to Shane m'Brian O Neill, gent., son and heir of sir Brian m'Phelim; of the office of captain of the country of Nether Clandeboy, in the province of Ulster, from the river of the Lagan northward as far as Clandeboy extends. To hold during good behaviour as fully as his father or his uncle Hugh m'Phelim held that office. With power to assemble the inhabitants and command them for the defence of the country and the punishment of malefactors: to invade and punish by all ways all such rebels, papist priests, Rome runners, and their followers, as are known to be rebels and malefactors, and all who support them; to send any offenders to prison certifying the cause of their apprehension within three days to the seneschal or other chief commissioner of the country. He shall procure the people under his government to use English dress, language, and government. He shall not charge coyne, livery, codies, coshers,' or such like. He may do all other lawful things that his father and uncle did under any patent. The castle of Bealefast, and the island of Magy, excepted from his rule.
[The Thirteenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1881): Appendix to Thirteenth Report, p. 213, no. 4201]

May 16, 1586
Pardon to Donell gorme M'Connell, Alexander M'Connell, and Randall M'Ynesse, gentlemen, in co. Antrym. Dated 16 May, xxviii. [The Fifteenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1883): Appendix to Fifteenth Report, p. 151, no. 4855]

January 20, 1586-7
Pardon to Shane m'Brian, of Belfaste, co. Antrim, Con Neale, his brother, Dwalto M'Gie, Owen m'Quine M'Hugh, Brian oge m'Brian ballogh, Owen M'Gye, Owen boy M'Gye, Fellome modder M'Gye, Manus M'TowIe, Fellom duffe m'Art oge, Owen modder MAnullo, James duffe M'Anullo, and Ferdoragh O Dornell, of the same place. Provided that they shall appear and submit before the justices at assizes in that county at the next sessions, and be sufficiently bound with sureties to keep the peace and answer at sessions, when summoned, the just demands of all subjects. The pardon not to include intrusion into crown lands or debts to the crown. (Murder also excluded by the usual clause excepting treason against the queens person and coining). Dated 20 Jan., xxix.
[The Sixteenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1884): Appendix to Sixteenth Report, p. 21, no. 4960]

July 9, 1591
Pardon to Shane m'Brien O Neile, Neale m'Brien Neile, Neale m�Hugh m'Mortagh O Neile, Owen m'Quyn m'Hugh O Neill, Brien oge m'Brien ballogh O Neill, Owin m'Donell O Neill, Con m�Brien ballogh Neill, Ivar m'James og M'Ynully, Phelym duffe m'Art oge M'Ynully, Manus m'Toole M'Ynully, Owin m'en abbe M'Ynully, Rory m'Art M'Ynully, Ferdorogh m'Donell M'Gye, Toole M'Can, Edm. M'Can, Owin moddery M'Ynully, Phelim duff Neill m'Hugh, Phelim duff m'Neill m'Hugh Neill, Neill O Neill m'Phelym duffe, Henry groome M'Ynully, Hugh ballagh Mullhallon, Phelim m'Rory O Neill, Con m'Brian O Neill, and Toole roe M'Ynully; co. Antrim. Dated 9 July, xxxiii.
[The Sixteenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1884): Appendix to Sixteenth Report, p. 165, no. 5573]

February 14, 1591-2
Lease (under commission, 16 Feb., xxx.) to Moyses Hill, of Carickefergus, gent., sheriff of Antrim; of the castle of Olderfleete now ruinous, with the lands belonging, being 3 quarters of land, containing by estimation 180 English acres, bounded by the sea from the castle on the north west to the river Mulghe, and from thence bounded by the said river to the bog next the church of Dumales, and from the bog to the sea side, wherewith the said land is likewise bounded on the south, east, and west sides; the lands belonging to and adjoining the church of friars called Cloghdunmales adjoining the said lands of Olderfieete on the north and bounded on the other side by the town land of Learne, with the tithes of Olderfleete, Blackecaue, and Grillamhill, appertaining to the said church; all in co. Antrim, long concealed and waste. To hold for 21 years. Pent 26s. 8d. Lessee shall not alien without license under the great seal. In consideration of having civil and dutiful subjects inhabiting those remote parts of Ulster, and of Hill's charges in rebuilding part of the castle, and in finding an inquisition for the premises.
[The Sixteenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1884): Appendix to Sixteenth Report, p. 201, no. 5706]

February 16, 1591-2
Pardon to Neal oge m'Hugh M'Phelym, Donell and Shane m'Hugh M'Phelym, Murtagh Mahallon m�Hugh Mahallon, Arte groome Mahallon, Hugh oge Mahallon, Hugh M' Mahallon, Art M'Mahallon, Owin m'Gill m'Rory Owen, James Mahallon m'Hugh, Donell m'Cormack Mahallon, Manus dologh Mahallon m'Cormake, Mortagh Mahallon m'Cormake, Patr. moder Mahallone, Owin oge M'Mahallon, Colloe Mahallon, Colloe m'Brien boy Mahallon, Donell m'James Mahallon, Manus M'Gillconell, Edm. M�Manus M'Gillconell, Edm. m'Donell M'Gilconell, Donell m'Nell boy M'Gillconell, Glasky M'Gillconell, James O Haghen, Gilleduff O Haghen, Hugh groom Mahallon m'Frior, Cormake Mahallon m'Prior, Donogh O Mollan, Tirlagh O Mallane, Henry boy M'Onoloe, Cormake moder Mahallon, and Brien O Birn. Security in co. Antrym, as in 4043. Debts to the crown and intrusions on possessions of the crown excepted. Dated 16 February, xxxiv.
[The Sixteenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1884): Appendix to Sixteenth Report, p. 202, no. 5709]

July 4, 1597
Commission to Sir John Chichester, knt., governor of Carrickfergus and of the countries of both the Clandeboys; to execute martial law in the said town and countries, with power to search out, after the order of martial law, all disorders committed in the county, and on finding any persons to be felons, rebels, enemies, or notorious evil-doers, to punish them by death or otherwise. This power not to extend against any having 40s. a-year freehold, or �10 in chattels, or any of honest name, unless taken in the act or duly convicted. With power also to treat with rebels and enemies, and for that purpose to grant safe conducts, and to conclude good orders with them under the instructions of the lord deputy. Dated 4 July, xxxix.
[The Seventeenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1885): Appendix to Seventeenth Report, p. 65, no. 6127]

September 16, 1597
Pardon to Shane m'Bryan O Neale, Neile m'Hugh O Neale, [Shane m'] Hugh m'Pheliin, Neale m'Hugh m'Morrierty, Owen m'Donnell m'Hugh boye, Brian oge m'Brian balle, Con m'Brian balle, Brian ballagh m'Toole O Quoyne, Henry m'Owen M'Quoyne, [Toole] m�Owen m'Hugh m'Phelim, Donnell m'Owen O Neale, Phelim duffe m'Art oge, Manus M'Ennolle, Owen m'Arte M'Ennolle, Hugh ballagh O Mulcallen, Owen M'Ennabe, Edm. O Neale, Wm. [Sa]vage, Donnel grome Mulcallen, Teige O Mulcallen, Mortagh m'Hugh O Mulcallon, Neale m'Cormock O Neale, Cormock oge m'Cormock O Neale, Gelle grome O Mulcallon, Teige O Melcrewe, Jenkyn m'[Rich]ard, Phelim duffe m'Shane m'Bryan, Edm. m'Donnell M'Gellegromell, Edm. m'Manus M'Gillegromell, Toole M'Can, Donnell grome m'Cormock oge, Donnell m'Neale boye M'Gilleconnell, James [m']Hugh M'Callan, Colly modderry m'Hugh O Mulcallan, Ferdorough m'Gye M'Rose, James m'Rowry duffe Huighan, (blank) m'Rory duff Haighie, Owen m'Hugh Mulcallon, Toole roe M'[Enn]olle, Paul M�Lernan, Bryan O Carr, Evar roe Mallan, Gillegrome O Dornan, Gilleduffe Dornan, Edm. cogg Mulcallon, Donnough m'Evar O Mallon, Rowry moddery O Mellon, Edm. m'Gye M'Allexander, John M'Richard, Rob. M'Gye, Neale M'Gyl, Rowry m'James oge M'Ennolle, Rory O Maddegan, Toole O Mellan, Hugh oge O Mulcallon, Donnell m'Cormock O Mulcallon, Bryan grome O Mulcallon, Cormock moddery Milcallon, Colle m'Shane boy m'Bryan Cure, Mortagh M'Ennolle, Jenkin boy Dornan, Henry Dornan, Owen M'Ennolle, Owen m'Gilleduff M'Ennolle, Bryan m'Toole O Neale, Nich O Kellen, Owen M'Evaie, Mortagh M'Edornan, Wm. O Sheale, Gillei M'Ennolle, Phelim duff m'Edm. M'Ennolle, Patr. moddery O Howen, Shane oge O Mulcallon, Fyninge O Sheale, Delten O Sheale, Bryan O Mellan, Rowry m'Art M'Ennolle, and Evar M'Ennolle; co. Antrim. This pardon shall not include any but the servants, followers, and dependents of Shane m'Brian Neale or Neale m'Hugh Neale dwelling in their countries. Provisions as in 6008. Provided also that this patent shall not extend to pardon any intrusion upon possessions of the crown, nor to remit any debt, fine of alienation, or arrears due to the crown; nor to pardon any matter of which he stands charged in the court of Castle Chamber in Dublin. Excluding also from pardon any murder; and excepting any persons in prison or under bail to appear. Dated 16 Sept. xxxix.
[The Seventeenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1885): Appendix to Seventeenth Report, p. 69, no. 6145]

May 15, 1598
Commission to the mayor of Carrickfergus, Charles Egerton, esq., captain George Rawe, John Dallaway, and Moses Hill; to execute martial law in the countries of both Clandeboye, and Rowte,and the town of Carrickfergus, with power to search out, after the order of martial law, all disorders committed in the county, and on finding any persons to be felons, rebels, enemies, or notorious evil-doers, to punish them by death or otherwise. This power not to extend against any having 40s. a-year freehold, or �10 in chattels, or any of honest name, unless taken in the act or duly convicted. With power also to treat with rebels and enemies, and for that purpose to grant safe conducts, and to conclude good orders with them under the instructions of the lord deputy. Dated 15 May, xl.
[The Seventeenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1885): Appendix to Seventeenth Report, p. 88, no. 6228]

May 22, 1598
Grant to Sir Ralph Lane, knt.; of the custody of the castle of Belfaste; and for the better maintenance of it, certain lands adjoining, called the Falle and Moyellon, with the toaughe of land called the Cynnamente which stretches along by the water side between Belfaste and Carickfergus, and the wardenship of the woods, mines, and minerals of both Clandeboyes, Kilulto, Kilwarlen, and Killeleyrto, and of the loughs and islands in the same. He is to have all the profits of the premises and the fishing of the river Laggan. He is also empowered to take from the woodmen of those parts, such bonnaghts as they have answered to the earl of Tyrone or the Scots, if he can win the good will of the captains of those countries. Dated 22 May, xl. Dated 6 June, xl.
[The Seventeenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1885): Appendix to Seventeenth Report, p. 92, no. 6235]

April 8, 1600
Commission to Sir Arthur Chichester, knt.; to be colonel and governor of the forces at Karickfergus, and in the countries of both the Clandeboyes, the Duffraine, Kilultagh, Killwaminge, the little Ardes, the Route, and the Glinnes, in the province of Ulster. With power to pursue with fire and sword such Scots as are there landed or shall land, and other traitors and rebels and their aiders, to punish by martial or common law at his discretion; to treat with rebels or Scots, and grant safe conducts; and to exercise the office in as ample manner as Capt. Francis Stafford or other governor or seneschal there. Fee, 10s. sterling a day.�8 April, xlii.
[The Seventeenth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1885): Appendix to Seventeenth Report, p. 120, no. 6385]

January 3, 1603/4
Inquisition indented taken at the Castle of Knockfergus, otherwise Carrickfergus, in the county aforesaid (Antrim), on the third day of January, in the first year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord James, by the before of God King of England, France, and Ireland, and thirty seventh of Scotland, before Arthur Chichester, Knight, Governor of Knockfergus; Fulke Conway, Knight: Roger Langford, Esquire: and Moses Hill, Esquire; by virtue of the commission of the same lord King, directed to them and annexed to this inquisition. By oath of Brian Boy Macawley of Glanarme, Richard Mac Jenkin MacQuillin of Ballylough, Donald Balagh MacGill of the Park, Donald Oge Mac Duffy of Clanclaie [Glencloy], Teige Ognive of Glynns, Owyn Oge MacNathie of Carre [Carey], Alexander Mac Randall boy of Root. Owen MacDerragh of Layde, Owen O'Neile of the Glynns, Ffardorough MacRosse Magie of Portmucke, Brian O'Gnive of Ballycarry, and Owen Magie of Braden Island, good and loyal men of the county aforesaid. Concerning certain royal lands in Rathlin Island.
Ulster Journal of Archaeology (Belfast, 1907), Vol. XII, January 1906, No. 1, p. 168]

July 12, 1605
Inquisition taken at Antrim before William Parsons, Esq., surveyor general of Ireland, John Dallway, Esq., Robert Barnewell, Esq., and Laurence Masterson, gent.; by virtue of a commission under the great seal of Ireland. Juriors: John Lugg, of Portmuck, Brian Ognive, of Larne, Hugh Magee of Ballindowne, Richard M�Jinkin, of Ballinlogh, Art ballagh O�Hary, of Loughtoman, John or Shane oge O�Hary, of Kells, Phelim duff O�Hary, of same, Edmund O�Duffin, of same, Neale O�Duffin, of same, Donat or Donogh McGloster, of Glanarme, Donel ballagh McGille, of the Park, Alexander M�Randoll boy, of same, Art O�Haly, of Billy, Richard M�Robert Carry, of Cross, and Cormac O�Mallon, of Killelagh, gentlemen.
[The Twenty-sixth Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland (Dublin, 1894): Appendix to Twenty-sixth Report, p. 43]

April 11, 1606
Grant to John Wakman, esq. his heirs and assigns, of all the customs, subsidies, and impositions on merchandise imported or exported at any of the bays, ports, &c. in the Tuogh Cinament, Dirrevologie, Carnemorly (Carnmoney), The Falls, Belfast, Magherimore and Island Magye, also the town of Carrickfergus and all the circumjacent parts in the Lower Clandeboy, and in the Upper Clandeboy, the great and little Ardes, the Duffrin, and the Copland islands, and throughout the whole river Lagan, the bay of Carrickfergus, the sea near the great and little Ardes, the waters of Strangford and Loughcon in Down co. except the subsidy of wines, the right to the third part of the aforesaid customs already granted by patent to the town of Knockfergus and the customs of goods imported or exported at the wharf or quay of Knockfergus, or any of the waters within three miles of the said town.-�11 Apr. 4th.
[Calendar of the Patent Rolls of the Chancery of Ireland (Dublin, 1800), James I, p. 89, No. 1]

February 11, 1612
Grant from the King to sir James Hamilton, knt. Down and Antrim Cos. All the customs and subsidies, great and small, by sea and land, of all goods exported and imported, liable to pay duty, in all the ports, bays, creeks, roads, sounds, islands, towns, waters, and rivers of and in all the territories and countries, of and in the tuogh Cinament, Dirrivolagie, Carnemoney, the Fall, Belfast, Magherimorne, Island-Magie, upper Clandeboy, the great and little Ardes, the Duffren, Copland- Island, the river Logan, Knockfergus bay, the Irish sea near the great and little Ardes, Strangford river, Loughcon, and all the adjoining islands�to hold the offices of customer, collector, comptroller, surveyor, searcher, gauger and packer, by himself or his deputies�all billets, cocquets, certificates and entries of ingate and outgate, and bonds of employments, relating to said goods; reserving to the Crown all duties on wines, and the Crown�s right to the third part of the customs, granted by a former patent to the town of Knockfergus, and the customs of all goods whatever entered or discharged or exported in the town, wharf, or quay of Knockfergus, or within the circumference of three miles of that town�power to appoint ferrymen and ferryboats as should be thought fit�to hold and keep the custom houses and custom books, entries, &c. as fully as any of the King�s officers might exercise the same.�Total rent, 6l 13s 4d Ir.�To hold for ever, as of the castle of Dublin, in common soccage.�11 Feb. 9th.
[Calendar of the Patent Rolls of the Chancery of Ireland (Dublin, 1800), James I, p. 217, No. II]






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