Ireland Land and Property: Difference between revisions

After the accession to the throne of William III & Mary II (1689) control of land ownership by Roman Catholics was tightened. It is important historically to see this in the context of the time such measures were set. Ireland had been in turmoil since the beginning of the Cromwellian period in the 1640s. And although the country was generally much unsettled and there was much public anxiety, land ownership, whether by Protestants or Catholics, was an issue to only a tiny fraction of the population.  

A system of registration of deeds began in 1708 and although it was not compulsory, it was generally held that the courts would be more favourable when issuing decrees and judgements where title had been registered. However, for those who were not wealthy enough to ever consider court proceedings the need to register was not an issue particularly as a fee was required. '''In addition to land deeds, marriage settlements, leases, mortgages, and wills involving the transfer of land are also found within the deed registrations'''. These records can be very helpful, especially for time periods prior to the civil registration of births, marriages and deaths.<br>  

The deeds maybe obtained by visiting (or mailing to) the Registry of Deeds in Ireland or by using microfilms or online records at the Family History Library or a Family History Center. These deeds and indexes are listed in the Family History Library's catalog under the following title: