A curious Manuscript at Ballimoare, County Tipperary, in the leaf of the Knockalton family Bible, gives this interesting account of "Thomas Otway", Bishop of Ossory, from 1679 to 1692.
Written by the Grammar School Master of Sedburgh Parish in 1796, and a copy sent to Castle Otway. (Robert Greenwood)
"Thomas Otway was of the Ingmire Hall family in Westmorland, though born in Wiltshire in 1616.
He was a cousin of Colonel Otway who emigrated to Ireland in 1650.
He was educated at Cambridge, but took his D.D. degree in Dublin University in 1670. He adhered warmly to the Royal Cause in the great Rebellion and was so active against Cromwell and the Long Parliament that he was banished for some years to the West Indies.
He was recalled by Charles II in 1670, and went to Ireland as Chaplain to Lord Berkeley, Baron of Stratton, then Lord Lieutenant. He made him Bishop of Killala and Achonry, and afterwards of Ossory.
Dr. Otway was a Prelate of great learning, benevolence and piety. Gave largely to the poor of his Diocese; was a warm friend to the sick and needy; kind and good to all men. He caused bread to be distributed every Monday at his door to all who wanted it.
He never married, lived very plainly, and died at his Palace of Kilkenny in his 77th year, greatly esteemed and regretted. Directed that no pomp should follow his Remains nor panegyrics be put on his tomb; simply a tablet with his name and date of his death. He was long called