The Heath Tax Lists
In 1666 a tax list called "the Hearth Money Rolls" was compiled. The basis of it being that a man was taxed according to the number of hearths of fireplaces his house possessed.(ref T/307).
For Antrim we find; Robert Hamill, Hugh Hamill, John Hamell
or Hamill
Again in an updated version of the same Roll in 1669 we find
Hugh Hamill of Ballywattick, Robert Hamill Ballymoney,
Hugh Hamill Authomasbeg.
The poll tax returns for North Antrim 1666-1669 ref T/307/a
list the following Townland of Killycarn:
John Hamill, Neale Hamill, Patrick Hamill
Townland of Buckna (Ballymena): Patrick Hamill, Widow Hamill, Henry Hamill
In 1674 Hugh Hamill of which we shall hear more later
held tenure over lands in Ballywalter and Lifford.
In 1687 Ireland was in turmoil following the Catholic rebellion of 1641 and in 1688 a new Protestant King of England William III deposed his father-in-law the Catholic James II. The fight was carried to Ulster and what happened was to become an integral part of subsequent European history. On 18th Dec 1688 the Catholic armies of James laid siege to the City of Londonderry. Many tens of thousands of men, women, and children sought refuge within its walls. Among the first to rush to the aid of the besieged was Hugh Hamill.
