Women, marriage and property in wealthy landed families in Ireland, 1750–1850

Until recently, women featured in the historiography of the landed class in Ireland either as bearers of assets to advantageous matches or as potential drains on family estates as a result of long widowhoods. Drawing on a range of sources from the papers of landed families, including settlements, wills and personal correspondence, Deborah Wilson challenges established notions and provides fresh insight into the place of these women.

This fascinating study seeks to contribute to existing historiography by looking beyond the dynastic and economic concerns that dominate the current history of the Irish elite. It looks at women’s experiences of property and power in twenty landed families between 1750 and 1850, and outlines the statutory developments that impacted upon the distribution of family property in Ireland. Wilson considers how women were provided for by family settlements and examines the legal, social and familial factors that influenced the experience elite women had of property. Individual examples are employed to demonstrate the similarities and differences between women in this class, and to illustrate how the experience women had of property in this period was more complex than their legal and social status might suggest.

This book will appeal to scholars in the fields of Irish history, gender and women’s studies, and to anyone with an interest in the history of Irish landed families.

To read the introduction, please click here.

Contents:
Acknowledgements
List of tables
Abbreviations
Glossary of legal terminology
Introduction
1. Women, marriage and statute law in Ireland
2. Provisions made for women from family estates
3. Women and legal guardianship
4. Single women and property
5. Married women and property
6. Widows and property
Conclusion
Appendix A: Family biographies
Appendix B: Select biographical index of women
Appendix C: Provisions made for women on marriage, 1747–1845
Appendix D: Guardians and executors, 1767–1855
Appendix E: Provision for daughters and younger sons, 1767–1855
Appendix F: Type of property bequeathed to daughters and younger sons, 1771–1836
Appendix G: Lady Erne’s accounts, 1776– 99: charity
Bibliography
Index