Patrick Mcwilliams

Ordnance Survey Memoirs of Ireland, Volume 12: Co Down Iii: Mid-down Patrick Mcwilliams

In 1830 officers of the Royal Engineers began writing the Irish Ordnance Survey Memoirs. The Memoirs were detailed descriptions of the personalities and habits as well as the livelihood, employment, and leisure pursuits of the residents in each and every parish in the northern half of Ireland. They offer unique insights into life in rural Ireland and paint a picture of the landscape, buildings and ancient ruins, landholdings, and population. They act as a nineteenth-century Domesday Book and are essential to the understanding of the cultural heritage of Irish communities. The material paints a vibrant picture of the social, religious and educational backgrounds of the inhabitants of each area. Originally intended to accompany the 6 inch Ordnance Survey maps, they are now an invaluable resource for genealogists and a fascinating read.