Author Archives: Research

Census substitutes, the Tithe Applotment Books, part one   In this presentation we’re going to look at the following: The history and origins of tithe payments in Ireland and generally The history of tithes and the Tithe Applotment Books (TAB) … Continued

Valuation Office House, Field and Valuation Books (census substitutes) The first forms of taxation to raise money for poverty relief in Ireland date to the early eighteenth century, but it was only with the establishment of what became known as … Continued

Valuation Office cancelled rate books Most genealogists with an interest in Ireland are familiar with Griffith’s Valuation. (see my earlier blog on this subject). It is a list of householders and the rates or taxes computed to be owed from … Continued

Census substitutes The term ‘census substitutes’ has been coined to refer to non-genealogy specific document types which contain material of genealogical relevance. These are needed as Irish census records have fared badly over time. Only two complete Irish census record … Continued

Guinness, the dark past of Ireland’s national drink Guinness has been described as ‘more than just an alcoholic beverage, it is a national icon full of history and heritage’. While there is some truth in this description it ignores the … Continued