1976 Breifne article by Rev. Gerard Alwill on the 1841 Killeshandra census

1976 Breifne article by Rev. Gerard Alwill on the 1841 Killeshandra census

Thanks to Brendan Scott, editor Breifne Journal, and Rev. Gerard Alwill for allowing us to reproduce this detailed study and analysis which throws great light on the contents of the 1841 census records.

INTRODUCTION

The 1841 Census  was  held on  the night of 6 June  of that year. Return sheets were to be filled in that night by the  head of  each household. This  study  of the  parish of  Killeshandra was  based  on micro-film copies of the  return sheets. Most  of the return sheets have been preserved  in  good condition.  From these it is possible to construct  an accurate account of social conditions in the parish during the years before the famine. In general  we have  very  little information on social conditions in Co. Cavan for these pre-famine years. I hope that this study will make  some  small contribution in that regard.

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