The Lynch’s Memorial Window is a rather macabre tribute to one of Galway’s great history makers. A true story from 1493, in which the mayor and magistrate of Galway, James Lynch FitzStephen, hanged his own son from the window of his house as punishment for murder… The word “lynch” has been used ever since.
The year is 1493. James Lynch FitzStephen’s son is sentenced to death for the murder of a Spanish merchant seaman. But no executioner is available to carry out the sentence.
His father, then judge and mayor (known for his intransigence and respect for the law), refused to wait any longer, and decided to carry out the sentence on his own son. The latter then hanged him from the window of his own house, causing a stir throughout Galway.
Part true story, part legend, this episode has since been commemorated in a memorial on Market Street. It’s a Gothic window, where you’ll find a skull, outlined by 2 crossed bones, with the words “REMEMBER DEATHE – VANITI OF VANITI & ALL IS BUT VANITI”.
A dark message, which still seems to fascinate the people of Galway today…
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