the roche was originally known as machrells walles, built in the 13th century by john de la roche. over the course of the ensuing century the property passed from one family member to another until in 1392 it came into the possession of david fleming, who immediately granted it to sir thomas fleming, knight and other irish land owners. subsequently, according to a successful 16th-century petition of james reede, gentleman of london it became the property of gruffudd nicholas (gruffudd ap nicholas) and thomas nicholas, who granted it to william rede and jonet wirriot as part of their marriage settlement.