JAMES, 3rd Earl of Ormonde, who, having built the castle of Gowran and made it his usual residence, was commonly called Earl of Gowran. His Lordship purchased by deeds dated 4th and 12th Sept. 1391; from the heirs of Sir Hugh le Despencer, Earl of Gloucester, the CASTLE OF KILKENNY (an edifice erected in the beginning of the 13th century, by Willam, Earl Marshal, which he then made his place of abode, and which has ever since been the chief family residence). In 1392, his Lordship was apptd. Lord Justice of Ireland. He m. Anne, dau. of 6th Lord Welles,

James, the third Earl of Ormond, built the Castle of Gowran and made it his residence, but in the year 1391 he purchased the Castle of Kilkenny. Gowran was situated on one of the five great roads which led to Tara from the south, and was still, in the 14th century, a noted highway. The Butlers at Gowran collected the tolls of all the numerous travellers who frequented this road. James was buried at Gowran, where he died on 7 Sep 1404.44