I’ve been remiss with my book reviewing schedule. So I took the time to read Researching Farming Ancestors in Ireland by William J. Roulston.
Originally published via the Ulster Historical Foundation in 2021, I only bought a copy before Christmas. I picked it up intending to make a start but found it so accessible and readable that I finished it in one sitting.
Most people with Irish ancestors will have some farming ones. This book doesn’t waste time treading well-covered ground on censuses, civil and church records, but goes straight to land records. Roulston covers the expected resources like Griffith’s Valuation, the Tithe Applotment books and estate records, but he goes much further than that, delving in excellent detail in the Registry of Deeds, land reform (sadly as important and dull as I remember it from my Leaving Certificate History!), electoral records and a nice miscellaneous section.
Because it was published 5 years ago (yes, 2021 was only 5 years ago, though it feels much longer), it is a teeny tiny bit out of date, without reference to the Virtual Treasury and the fact that Familysearch has now delivered the full text search version of the Registry of Deeds. This does mean, however, that when he references a marriage settlement of 1734 in Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone, which lists 50 tenants, I can now go and find that very easily. Roulston helpfully includes excellent referencing and citations throughout. Each chapter has end notes and there’s plenty of historiography for further reading too.
Being based in Northern Ireland and produced by the UHF, it’s not surprising to find far more examples from the 6 counties than the 26, but equal weight is given to the differences and similarities between researching the two jurisdictions. I do detect a tiny bit of shade that the Republic’s Land Commission records remain inaccessible when NI’s are in PRONI – which is fully deserved.
The focus remains on genealogical research throughout. I think this is a great read and a very worth addition to your shelf.