File of letters relating to Loughton House.

Examples of letters include a letter from the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society to Benjamin Bloomfield Trench dated 20 November 1900
'Dear Sir,
Your letter of 16th inst. received, and I send you herewith for your information some copies of audited balnce sheets of Co-operative Dairy Societies which I hope will be useful to you. I hope the project of starting a co-operative Creamery for MoneyGall may prove successful. We shall be glad at any time to give you any information or advice in our power.'

Also included is a letter from James Guilfoyle, John Murphy, and John Healy dated 25 November 1895
'Sir,
We the undersigned having had the misfortune of being found trespassing on part of your property known as the lands of Clinoe with dogs in our possession on the 20th inst by Mr George [Frend] of Silver Hills, and for which we tender an apology to your honor and by to assure you that it being our first time in trespassing on your property that during our natural life we shall never attempt to repeat such an act. By hoping that this apology will satisfy your honour and again we say that we [resoundingly] report what we have done. With profound respect we beg to remain yours honour's most obedient servants.'

Ms note from Patrick Mitchell, Claremont, Banagher regarding application for 1 acre.

Annual report for year ending June 1863 containing details of rental and general management of the estate. Includes a general report describing the failure of the 1862 harvest and the subsequent loss of rental income, including the complete abandonment of arrears in many cases. Regrets that funds were not sufficient to entice tenants to emigrate as many small and middle farmers were 'compelled to stay half starving on their land, unable to pay rent or crop the ground, or to emigrate to another land, and barely able to support life on the miserable produce of the soil'.

Also discusses the completion of drainage works at Meelaghans, now let to Mr Goodbody of Tullamore, and at Ballyknockan, now let to Mr. Ridgeway. Referring to building works, the main project was the building of the new school house at Geashill. Other new buildings include the Castle offices to replace those previously burnt. Reports on the new forester, Daniel Dewer, who has had success in making the woods and plantations profitable, in particular at Clonad.

Notebook containing newspaper clippings of minutes of Banagher Branch of the Irish Farmers Union. Deals with such matters as setting of Fair days, fixing a price for barley. With memo from Offaly County Council acknowledging application for Relief Grant Scheme and encouragement of trade in the towns of Banagher and Birr.

Typed letter from T. J. Kelly, Courthouse, Tullamore to the secretary of Banagher Parish Council requesting details regarding number of allotments and anticipated yield of wheat, barley, potatoes and oats.

File of correspondence in relation to the distribution of seed potatoes and seed wheat by Banagher Parish Council.

Copy letter from Secretary of Banagher Parish Council regarding the distribution of wheat to those considered deserving.

Letter from J. F. Mahon, Secretary, Banagher Parish Council enquiring as to whether there are any persons in the area who would be prepared to take allotments.

Four printed catalogues of the Winter Show, Edenderry for the years 1906, 1907, 1909 and 1910. Lists the president of the society as Rev. J. Kearney PP, and a full list of the executive committee in each catalogue. The rules of the society and the agricultural show is also given along with the names of judges in the categories for prizes in cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, eggs, bread, butter, honey, grain, potatoes, root crops, horses and garden produce. Also contains extensive advertising from businesses in Edenderry and surrounds.

Annual report and rental for year end June 1872, reporting a very satisfactory financial situation and an overview of receipts and disbursements on the estate. Notes that drainage and land improvements continued but that there was an increased difficulty in sourcing labourers. Main drains were completed at Killurin and Gorteen, and a thorough drain was built at Bawnmore. Reports that sums were expended on extensive fencing and top-dressing of lands. The village inn was completely remodelled and 'now forms one of the most striking features of the village.' Also report that the woods and plantations were more profitable than usual with a large contract won for the supply of ash timber to a Liverpool merchant. Oak and larch plantations were established on the land between the River Clodiagh and the new embankment. Describes the general condition of the estate as 'most satisfactory' and entirely free from violence and lawlessness. Notes, however, that Mr Flanagan, a tenant, disputed the right of Lord Digby to his property but failed at his attempt in doing so.

Roskeen rentals are missing from this volume in order to combine the accounts of the Geashill and Roskeen estates into one. They will appear in subsequent annual reports. John Townsend Trench signs for his father, William S. Trench, who may have already passed away (August 1872) by the time the report was submitted.