The lists for the Borough of Carlow, and for the extinct Borough of Old Leighlin, are, we believe, perfect. The Catalogue of the Knights of the Shire—unbroken in its series from Elizabeth to Victoria, though by no means exhaustive at an earlier period— comprises, however, all that is now likely to be gleaned, in the absence or destruction of Parliamentary records, and the dearth of historical details.
The COUNTY OF CARLOW was one of the twelve districts formed into shire-ground by King John ; and amongst the privileges of such an incorporation was, undoubtedly, the right of returning Members to Parliament. From the earliest times, therefore, Carlow must have shared in the Parliamentary representation of the country.
