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Inquest reports handwritten by James Dillon, King's County Coroner into a leather-bound notebook. Inquests begin at No. 589, 21 February 1846 and end at No. 1079, 12 December 1854. Format of inquest reports is largely identical beginning with a record of the inquest number, date, location of inquest and the name of the deceased. Then follows a list of the jurors present and witnesses called. The reports end with a verdict on the cause of death. Notable due to its date span which covers the famine era.

Original incoming and copy outgoing correspondence relating to the administration of the Geashill Estate. Matters referred to include Col. Bury granted the concession of Cole Hill area; supply of poles for ESB; Lord Digby's broken leg; purchase by Offaly County Council of a site in Ballydonnan for housing site (includes map with coloured section); Clonad hit by storms and blizzards but no major damage; sale of Ballingaore House by the Perry Estate; poaching on Derrygunnigan woods; repatriation of items confiscated during a trip in August 1946; repair of Geashill Garda Barracks.

Includes letter to Muir from Digby detailing effects of rations and austerity in post-war Britain: "Lady Digby was beaten by the Farmers Union Candidate in fact the number of women on our [County Council] was reduced to 3... Things here are getting very unpleasant and terribly expensive. The Budget looms ahead in rather a disagreeable light! ... Restrictions are very severe about timber cutting here. you cant cut your own trees unless they are dead, and if they are dead you can't get any one to saw them up. I can't get a portable handsaw that I want and there are no saw benches about that aren't commanded by the Ministry of Supply". (1 April 1946).

Includes letter from James Brophy, Derrygolan to Digby, informing him that there is "a well containing oil on [my] turf bank". (4 June 1947).

Includes letter from Digby to Kennedy, describing a great holiday in Ireland where he was able to bring back all the things he purchased to the UK as dual resident "The inevitable economic crisis which I forecast when I was with you has fallen with great severity upon us all... We managed to get all the things that we bought in Eire safely over to this country and had no trouble on either side. I found the fact that I was a dual-resident was a great help" (22 September 1947).

Original incoming and copy outgoing correspondence relating to the administration of the Geashill Estate. Matters referred to include complications in the of sale of Scrubb Wood to A. E. Morean of Borrisokane due to the death duty on timber owed by Digby; applications for licenses from the Forestry Department to fell trees during wartime; emergency powers (control of timber) order 1941; trespass and poaching; offer of sale of Derrygunnigan wood to the Forestry Division, Department of Lands; wartime food supplies; and rental arrears.

Includes letter from Digby to Kennedy: ' I am absolutely at a loss to make out how you make out that duty was not paid on the Irish property and the woods. I am sure it was; the valuation included the woods as far as I can remember. When I have sold the woods before no question of this has arisen & I don't want this raised now. In fact if there is any quotation of it, the whole matter of the sale in this manner should be held up and the sale carried out similar to the Derrygunnigan sale or not at all. This raises such a big question that I should prefer to have no sale rather than a letter should go anywhere near the authorities on this subject. What action have you taken? You don't say whether you have raised the matter through the London solicitors or tried to do it direct. Please do nothing of this kind in future without writing to me on the subject.' (27 October 1940)

Includes letter from Kenneth Robins, stonemason, Portarlington to Kennedy: 'Looking at the ruins of the Digby Estate in Geashill the other day. I would like to know if their representatives would sell the pieces of cut stone in and around the site? I would buy and take away any stone suitable to my trade.' (2 February 1942)

Includes letter from G. Muir, forester on Digby Estate to Mr Douglas (Of A & L Goodbody): 'I am sending you this note as Mr K may be at Court top let you know that we have had the devil's own fire on Derryadd. It has been a night & day job since 11 last night until 11 today and now we have got to put out the fire in Derrynasligue Ditch or bank, and a half of a long road to carry water. Damn bogs anyway, they may be the glory of Eire but any way a curse to me.' (7 May 1942)

Includes letter from Kennedy to Digby:'We are all keeping well but as you say housekeeping is becoming increasingly difficult. We are really fortunate living in the country and cannot very well starve as I have been able to produce an acre of potatoes, and we have plenty of our own milk and eggs, and I have also produced 35 barrells of oats off two statute acres not to mention a very adequate supply of good turf (not off the two acres!). Unfortunate people especially of the poorer class in Dublin and other cities must be in a bad way. (19 September 1942)

Annual report for year ending June 1864 containing details of the rental of the estate and the financial situation relating to the payment of rent. Explains that while the 1863 harvest was an improvement on previous years, it was not enough to ease arrears of rent and that the most impoverished on the estate had even sold their milch cows. Reports that large farms have best withstood the pressure of the previous seasons, middle and small farmers suffered the most, and the labouring classes did not suffer too much as they gained much employment in the drainage works at Ballycollin.

Reports on other large drainage works one one side of the Tullamore Road at Geashill, a large tract of land mainly made up of the farms of surrendered tenants. Also discusses farming and waste farms - 227 acres at Ballycollin and 34 acres at Bawnmore are now under tillage. Referring to the estate buildings, the report discusses improvements to the castle offices, construction of farm offices required by larger tenants, construction of a house for the drainage superintendent and the general poor condition of the village of Killeigh. Also includes a report by forester, Daniel Dewar, on woods and plantations. Further reports that Dewar will be leaving the estate as he was sought by Lord Lovat for a superior position.

Regarding emigration, the report suggests that not as much emigration as anticipated has occurred on the estate due to the 'vigorous opposition from priests', but does report that a considerable number of middle-sized farmers have been compelled to leave the estate for economic reasons.

Drawings in report:
Page 89 'Ancient Monastery Killeigh' - window opes

Original incoming and copy outgoing correspondence relating to the administration of the Geashill Estate. Matters referred to include the sale of the Post Office at Geashill; rent arrears, particularly from proprietor of Post Office at Killeigh; right of way at Geashill Vicarage/Rectory; insurance cover; poaching and trespass; timber trade and forestry; lease of Garda Barracks, Geashill to the Office of Public Works and repair of same; the Fisheries Bill (1939); the outbreak of World War II and its effect on forestry.

Includes hand-drawn map by Darley, Orpen & McGillycuddy Solicitors, of Geashill Glebe, scale 1/2500, showing lands belonging to Representative Church Body and rights of way adjoining the site.

Includes copy letter from Kennedy to Digby: '...We have had a terrific frost here just before Christmas, hard enough to produce three days skating on Charleville Lake, and I am told that there were lumps of ice floating about in the sea between Dublin and Kingstown, a thing which I do not think anyone remembers before. The thaw has now thoroughly set in after a second sharp spell of frost last week and between rain and melted snow the country generally and the rivers are terribly flooded.' (9 January 1939)

Includes letter from R. Fetherstonhaugh, solicitor, Mountmellick to Kennedy: 'I was very sorry to hear from my son that he had trespassed yesterday on Lord Digby's bog. He and some friends went out to shoot on the Burrow Meadows - apparently he wandered over the county boundary & it was surprising to me how he got so far; it was, I believe quite unintentional on his part and both of us regret it very much.' (16 January 1939)

Includes letter from An Roinn Tailte/Department of Lands forbidding the felling of native timber due to the outbreak of war and withdrawing the forestry permit granted to Lord Digby. (25 September 1939)

Includes letter from Digby to Kennedy: I am flying over to Northern Ireland on Monday morning. I should be there about a week or ten days investigating infantry training units in my capacity as Assistant Inspector of Infantry at the War Office. I regret I shall not be able to get leave to come over the border on this occasion, but would you write to me to Mount Stewart, Newtownards, Co. Down where I shall be on Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th...I was very sorry to hear the sad news about Capt Boyd Rochfort's death. I would have sent you a wire to represent me at the funeral but did not know in time.' (10 August 1940)

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.

Original incoming and copy outgoing correspondence relating to the administration of the Geashill Estate. Matters referred to include fires on the estate; workmen's compensation claims; rental arrears; trespass and poaching; Lord Digby's shooting rights; repair of Garda Barracks at Killeigh and the sale of Lugmore Wood.

Letter from Muir to Kennedy: We had a divil of a fire yesterday on Ross bog and a strenuous job to keep it away from the wood. It was some fight, luckily enough we mastered it and we have quite a decent margin of heath left. I don't know how far the fire extended but I saw it blazing merrily away up by Dr Regan's and far beyond. I expect it probably went on as far as the Screggan Mt Bolus Rd. I was astonished to see grouse on the bog but the young must have been roasted alive, the old ones kept changing their position from time to time but eventually had to seek pastures new. Snipe and curlew all had to shift and there were quite a few of each. It will be some years before Ross becomes a mecca for poachers again.' (10 January 1936)

Letter from Digby to Kennedy: 'I expect the whole family will be over in Ireland 31st July-10th August. Haven't made plans yet except that we have rooms at Parknasilla 1st -6th August. We may go to Mulranny and [?] but if we do we won't have time to look in at Clonad I am afraid, but will let you know later. Yes! I shall want my usual Glenamoy fishing licence. You have taken this annually for me so that they can't say I don't intend fishing in my river!! So please get that and my gun license for later in the year. I will get any children's license for fishing if necessary. We shall bring over the same two cars and the chauffeur we had last year...' (14 July 1937)

Original incoming and copy outgoing correspondence relating to the administration of the Geashill Estate. Matters referred to include repairs to tenants' premises; application to renew forestry permit; rent arrears; trespass and poaching; disposal of labourers' plots; income tax; and fires on wood plantations around the estate.

Includes poster notifying public that the lands at Clonad, Killeenmore, Derryadd, Derrybeg, Derryclure, Derrygolan, Derrygunnigan, Hawkswood, Killeigh, Glebe East and Ballinvalley, all in Co.Offaly are poisoned for the destruction of vermin.(16 March 1936)

Includes copy letter Kennedy to Digby: 'I think Muir has already written to tell you of a most unfortunate fire which took place in 18th inst, practically destroying the whole of the small new plantation in the River Wood. I saw the place the next day with Muir and although some of the young trees - say 20 or 30 per cent may survive, the plantation is for all intents and purposes ruined. ...Here accident could not be negatived as in the very dry state of the undergrowth, anyone throwing away a match after lighting a cigarette would have done the damage and in addition no affirmative evidence of malice could be given beyond the fact that a few Poison Notices were posted up shortly before. This in itself would not provide evidence of malice (only evidence of a possible occasion for malice) especially as, in Lewis's time Poison Notices did not produce any such result. (24 March 1936)

Annual report for year ending June 1861 containing details of executors' arrears, mesne rates, new rentals, estate improvements and general observations on the management of the estate. In terms of estate improvements, the report details drainage schemes including the completion of the reclamation of the land at Meelaghans and new schemes at Ballyknockan, and Ballina. Also includes details of roads built from Clonad to Derryfad and from Ballyknockan Bridge to Knockbally. Reports that the Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland awarded provincial prize of the gold medal to Lord Digby for the greatest number of improved cottages in the province of Leinster. Also reports on improvements to the Castle including the conversion of the old ball room to a parlour and drawing room.

Regarding the general management of the estate, Trench reports on 'improved tone and feeling' on the estate with new houses and improved layout appreciated by tenantry. Considers the area still backward in terms of agriculture but improving. Very dissatisfied with the police authorities in the district and reports that 6 murders took place in King's County, 2 of the most barbarous in Geashill. Also updates Lord Digby on the situation with Ribbonmen on the estate. Reports that eight active Ribbonmen have been ejected from the estate: Loughlin Kelly (Ballina), Henry Bryan (Cross Keys public house), John Clibborn (Clonmore), John Helian (Killurin), Darby Flanagan (Pigeonhouse), John Whelaghan (Newtown), Patrick Larkin (Colehill) and William Grumley (Dalgan).

Drawings in report:
Page 119 'Thoro or main drain' diagram
Page 120 Diagrams for drain and outlet for drains
Page 125 Diagrams of drains and thoro drainage
Page 129 Map of estate drainage

Annual report for year ending June 1860 containing details of the leaseholder's compensation fund, the executors' arrears, mesne rates, new rentals and the purchase of leases. Also discusses estate improvements: permanent land improvement at Meelaghans; the creation of turf banks at Colehill; management of woods and plantations at Scrubb Wood, Killeenmore and Derryweelan ('Furry Hill'); and the building of roads and bridges at Clonad and Derryclure. Particularly refers to the 'model farm' which has been established at Ballyknockan.

In relation to the construction of houses, the report describes the completion of Richard Odlum's offices in Ballyduff, 'one of the most independent and thriving farmers on a large scale on the estate.' Also discusses Odlum's house in Ballymooney to be near completion. Reports that cottages in Killeigh and the new rent offices are complete 'and ought to last forever'. Referring to dire housing conditions amongst some of the tenantry, the report justifies the expense on rebuilding houses and states that there was more than one case on the estate 'where the inhabitants were in daily danger of being buried alive.' Also reports on small repairs to existing tenants' houses and a scheme of compensation for 59 families to surrender certain tenancies.

Also reports on agrarian unrest and agitation by Ribbonmen on the estate, including arson attacks on Geashill Castle offices and outhouses, and an arson attack on the farm of Mrs. Pattison, Protestant tenant at Annagharvey. Appendix contains copy letter from John Townsend Trench, second son of W. S. Trench, who interviewed Mary Shea, barmaid of the Cross Keys public house, Geashill, at the barracks in Tullamore where she was being held for her own safety. Letter describes plot to assassinate T. W. Trench and lists the main Ribbonmen active in Geashill as told to J. T. Trench: Loughlin Kelly ('treasurer of the murder fund'), Henry Bryan of Cross Keys public house; John Whelaghan, John Helian, William Grumly, Ned Geraghty, Christopher Mooney, Johnny Clibborn and others.

Drawing on pg 151:
Sign language or secret signals of the Ribbonmen