Description

The rolling, rich pastures of County Meath were home to some of the most profitable agricultural networks in 19th-century Ireland. Graziers and Grasslands – Portrait of a Rural Meath Community 1854-1914 delivers a masterly, data-driven social and economic history tracking the unique class of large-scale cattle farmers known as “graziers.”

The text explores how the Post-Famine economy transformed Meath into a powerhouse of beef production for British markets. Moving past simple historical generalizations, the book analyzes the complex local dynamics between wealthy land occupiers, smaller tenant farmers, and agricultural laborers during decades of intense Land League agitation and changing state policies. It stands out for its structural accuracy, utilizing local estate books, census returns, and newspaper archives to build an indispensable asset for regional historians and genealogists.

Essential research highlights within this volume:

• Agrarian Class Analysis: Looks deeply into the social identity, political influence, and daily business strategies of Royal Meath’s cattle elite.

• Economic Landscape Tracking: Details the transition from traditional tillage farming to specialized, massive commercial grassland production.

• Rich Archival Foundation: Built on a foundation of authentic regional estate records, farming maps, and localized trade data.