In 1699 the English government passed the Wool Act which prevented export to any country whatsoever, which effectively put an end to the industry in the Liberties by the mid-eighteenth century.

Before this, the poor weavers of the Coombe had either to suspend work in rainy weather or use the alehouse fire and thus were (as Wright expresses it) "exposed to great distress, and not infrequently reduced either to the hospital or the gaol."

Over the next few years new parish buildings including a school, an almshouse and a widows' house, were built along the Coombe to provide for the increasing population.

When King James II displaced the Protestant Corporation of Dublin to make room for Catholics, a few members of the original body sought refuge for themselves and the regalia of the city in this obscure nook.

After the battle of the Boyne, they emerged from their concealment, presented themselves to King William and were by him accepted as the lawful representatives of Dublin.

[9] Their song went as follows:[9] When tyranny's detested power had leagued with superstition, and bigot James, in evil hour began his luckless mission, still here survives the sacred flame, here freedom's sons did rally and consecrate to deathless fame the Men of Skinners Alley.