New Collections in DRI from Clare County Archives

The Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI) is pleased to announce that two new collections – the Scariff Board of Guardians Records and the Corporation Book of Ennis – have been published in the Repository through Clare County Archives.

With two new collections recently added to the Repository – making their overall collection total at five – Clare County Archives have contributed a wealth of new information relating to the county that range from the 1600s to the twentieth-century.

The Corporation Book of Ennis

Starting in 1660, the Corporation Book of Ennis retains handwritten information relating to laws and enactments until 1810. Entries in this book contain jury member details, records of laws and enactments – including rules around trading on the Sabbath – the development of arches on the Clon Road bridge, the seizure of ‘night walkers’ and ‘vagabonds’ as well as various documentation relating to weights and measures.

Notable about this particular book is the inscription note at the beginning of the volume which reads, ‘Copied and compared by John O’Connell, Town Clerk, Ennis – July 1796’.

The Scariff Board of Guardians Records

The Scariff Board of Guardians Records is the only surviving minute book for the Scariff Union and spans the years 1921-22. The minutes contain information on finances and maintenances of workhouses under the control of the Scariff Union. Details such as workhouse population, admissions and discharges as well as deaths are available to read in this document.

Minutes of the proceedings in this book include a list of attending Guardians, notices of marriage, confirmation of numbers in the workhouse register, financial reports on payments and receipts and the balance in the account – as well as details of rates collected from cess payers listing the ratepayer’s name, electoral division, the amount collected and amount remaining.

The Master’s Report section of this book addresses matters such as children’s exercise, staff appointments and disciplinary issues.

Of these recent collection ingests, DRI Director Dr. Lisa Griffith said:

We are delighted that Clare County Archives have ingested two more collections into the Repository, ensuring these important books and records that document the history of the county will be preserved safely, for the long-term, and viewable to all on open access.

Clare County Archives have now ingested five collections into the Repository – with objects ranging from photographs to records and assizes. It is fantastic to see this growth of materials and we look forward to welcoming more additions in the future

The Scariff Board of Guardians Records and the Corporation Book of Ennis can now be viewed in full in the Repository.

DRI are delighted to include this valuable collection from Clare County Archives in the Repository. Other collections in the Repository include: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Kilkenny County Council and Waterford City and County Council collections.

You can keep up to date with all of our collections by signing up to our newsletter.