Can someone tell me what a "manor" was in 19th century Ireland? Specifically, what was the "Manor of Skeagh"?
I see reference to this term in the Hodson papers index.
It does not seem to be a political unit (like barony, civil parish, electoral district or poorhouse district). Is it an economic unit?
Thanks for your insight
Brooke (who hasn't studied enough Irish history, yet).
A Manor is a term originating from Feudal times, similar timeframe to Baronies. A manor would be similar to an estate or Demesne and relate to an individuals property - usually granted to him or an ancestor, so probably would not correspond exactly to any of the later land divisions. The term was also used in England and other parts of Europe. There are some introductory articles on the concepts which mention Baronies and Manors on Wikipedia - see : Manorialism and Barony (Ireland)
There's a specific mention of the Manor of Skeagh in an article on the Schools Collection at Duchas.ie for Knockbride, Co. Cavan which mentions the landlord, probably the Lord of the Manor, a Sir George Hudson - see the evictions of Skeagh
EDIT : the Wikipedia links are failing to display, even though I can see them in the editor - for the first search Wikipedia for Manorialism, for the 2nd search for Barony (Ireland)
Thank you for your reply. I am familiar with the Schools Collection...and even did some transcribing! I'll go look that up.
Best,
Brooke
The Manor of Skea / Skeagh was also known as The Hodson Estate. Sir George Hodson inherited the Hodson/Adair lands from his brother about 1831. The inheritance included 4,349 acres in Cavan and also lands in several other counties and also land in England. Sir George lived in Bray, County Wicklow. His agent lived in Skeagh Townland and he was in charge of the lands in Cavan which included the Townlands of Lisdonan, Cappog/Cappy, Cornaveagh, Blackstep, Enagh, Drumhillagh South, Corrakeeran, Skeagh, Drumbar, Derrydamph, Corleck and Drumeague and possibly others. The Hodsons had obtained possession of their lands by marrying into the Adair family. The Hodsons were Baronets. The National Library of Ireland has several rent books and other records of the Hodson Estates. My Wilson ancestors were tenants of Hodson in several Townlands including Drumbar.
John Blair