What is the role of the Cancelled Books in Irish Genealogy?

Those involved in Irish genealogical research refer to the records of Sir Richard Griffith on a daily basis. Richard Griffith was born in Dublin in 1784 and, having spent one year in the Royal Irish Artillery, began the study of civil engineering, mining and mineralogy in London. He took a particular interest in the study of Irish bogs and produced the first geological map of Ireland in 1815, which was updated in 1835, 1839 and 1855.

Having been appointed Boundary Commissioner in 1825 he commenced a boundary survey of Ireland in which boundaries of every townland, parish and county were delineated. Between 1847 and 1864 he undertook the Primary Valuation of all tenements which was published from 1847 to 1864.

This project was to ascertain monetary value of all landholdings and buildings in the country for tax purposes. The occupier was responsible for paying their own tax, except where the holding was valued at less than £5, in which case the landlord or ‘lessor’ was responsible. This provided landlords with the incentive to evict the lower paying tenants in the second half of the nineteenth century.

Griffiths Valuation recorded every occupier within each townland and also noted the area of land in addition to the valuation of land and buildings. For family research purposes its greatest value is the map reference number provided, which is specifically marked on the accompanying map. This enables a family to identify the precise spot where their ancestors lived.

The Cancelled Books

Griffiths Valuation has been continuously updated to the present time. Changes of ownership, occupancy, usage and acreage of each plot have been recorded, both in book form and on continuously updated maps. This updating takes place every ten to fifteen years with the previous book being ‘cancelled’.

The Cancelled Books are primary sources of family research for all parts of Ireland and changes in occupancy can indicate a time of death or emigration. Descendants in America or Australia could find them as the vital link to their ancestral home from West Cork or North Donegal.

Cancelled Books and maps are held at – Valuation Office, Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1. A fee is charged for research and photocopying.