What is inside?

Previous to the establishment of the Irish Public Records Office (PRO), by an 1867 statute (30 & 31 Vict., c. 70), Ireland's public records were located in a variety of repositories throughout the country. Many of the records were perilously stored in unsuitable conditions, and on the opening of the PRO, records were progressively transferred to the new repository, for safe keeping. Each year, between 1869 and 1920 (and less frequently thereafter), the Office published an annual report, known as the Deputy Keeper's Report, which detailed the records received, and the work undertaken, during the previous twelve months. Though little known, these reports can contain useful source material for the historical researcher. Although the reports were usually brief, they often contained copious appendices, which can be especially useful. This is particularly the case, bearing in mind the destruction of the PRO during the Irish Civil War, so the Deputy Keeper's reports now often represent the only record of lost primary source material. This 16th Report of the Deputy Keeper of Public Records in Ireland was published in 1884. Much of the report is concerned with the status of transfers and classification of various records. Tables are included detailing transfer of records from various locations to the Public Record Office. The appendices of the 16th report cover the following items: ·Report of the Keeper of State Papers ·Calendar of Fiants of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth 1586-95 ·Tables of Local Distribution of Parochial Records. This table of Church of Ireland parish records is important, as a guide to what was lost in 1922. The calendar of Fiants is one of the most important state records for people in the 16th century, and this portion is abundent in pardons, state appointments, etc.

• Cultural history

Related Products