DRAKERATH

Photograph by Tom Drake.  Used by permission

Drakerath, a fortified structure, was the seat of the Irish Drakes in the 13th century, but is now just a ruin.  It is about 6-7 miles NE of Kells, in County Meath.

The Drakes of Ireland are cadets of the Drakes of Drakenage. Drakes came from Worcestershire to Ireland in the 13^th century. John Drake of Devon had permission to go beyond the seas in 1313.

Drakes became very prominent in Ireland, giving their name to Drakestown and Drakerath.  Several Drakes served in high office. Richard Drake was High Sheriff in 1368 as was John Drake in 1422. A John Drake was mayor of Dublin from 1401 to 1406.

Their arms were the same as the Drakes of Devon, "Argent, a wyvern wings displayed, tail nowed gules."

Like so many of the English who came to Ireland in the Middle Ages, the Drakes became at length "more Irish than the Irish" and were dispossessed of their lands after the rebellion of 1641.