I noticed on my ancestor's marriage records that their father's rank/profession/occupation is listed as 'Gentleman'. What is meant by the term 'gentleman' within the context of 1880s Ireland. (the father had been a mining engineer and then was hotel keeper in another county. Records fail to show that the father owned this hotel. The groom's father is also listed the as 'gentleman'.
Thank you so much!
Katy,
Someone who was sufficiently well off not to have to work.
Usually
refers to a landowner who has a private income.
My 3x great grandfather-a coal mining engineer with MCI moved from Slieveardagh hills to Tuam, Co Galway where he was ‘hotel keeper’ in retirement. His daughter married and she & husband bought land/business from owner (bank).
I’m baffled why he would be called ‘gentleman’ when I find no evidence in Ireland land records nor Griffiths that he ever owned anything. 🤷🏻♀️
Blessings! K
You will sometimes see "Lady" as a bride's occupation when they were, in reality, a servant or whatever. They were just having a joke. "Gentleman" could be the same.