"Beyond the Pale", an expression which survives to this day, were the native Irish clans of the Wicklow hills and mountains who launched frequent assaults on the invading settlers. Henry VIII confiscated the surrounding lands in the 15th Century following the suppression of the monasteries in England and Ireland and later Thomas Taylor, an eminent agriculturist of his day, acquired the property in 1690. He is buried in nearby Kilgobbin graveyard.
Thomas Taylor's son, also Thomas, became a prominent Dublin citizen and was elected Lord Mayor in 1750. Under the Taylors, the magnificent Marlay Park (opposite Taylors Three Rock) assumed much of its present appearance. A tree planting programme was commenced and the 214 acre park is now host to over 300 species of trees and shrubs supporting a wide range of wildlife and waterfowl as well as being an invaluable public amenity for the people of Dublin.
It is from Marlay and the former Taylor lands that the 132km Wicklow Way walking trail begins to wind its way over the scenic Dublin and Wicklow mountains. The Taylors have continued to farm the area to this day and have lent their name to many place names in the locality such as "Taylorsgrange", "Taylors Lane" and "Taylors Hill".
One of the more colourful characters in the family, Robert ("Bob") Taylor, described himself thus: