New Collection in DRI from Clare County Archive – Clare Grand Jury

Grand jury archives are considered to be the oldest archives of the local authorities and provide a rich source of information in terms of society, economics, culture and genealogy across regions. This collection gives a fascinating insight into the oldest collection from Clare County Archives.

A predecessor of the present local government structure and dating from medieval times, the grand jury gradually evolved with its functions expanding to include dispensaries, county infirmaries, lunatic asylums, courthouses, schools, hospitals, public buildings, the county gaol, and the provision of roads and bridge

Clare County Archives have recently ingested a new collection of Grand Jury archives into the Repository – including lists of Clare Grand Juries for the spring and summer assizes dating between 1689 and 1882. Other materials ingested include The Grand Jury Presentment Books from 1813-1900, which hold printed lists of proposed and approved works to be undertaken across the county during the years 1876-1998. The Presentments also include lists of cess payers (generally a local taxpayer) in each barony, as well as assorted reports from the Clare county infirmary and county gaol.

Also ingested into the Repository are Letters and Circulars to the Grand Juries of County Clare from a variety of sources including: the Paymaster of Civil Services Office, Office of Public Works, Office of General Valuation of Ireland, Government Prisons Office, the Poor Law Commission Office and the Limerick District Lunatic Asylum. 

These newly-deposited items – now preserved for long-term access – complement the existing items already published online including a range of Presentment books. You can explore the full collection in the DRI Repository. You can also keep up with all of DRI’s new collections by signing up to our newsletter.

Grand jury archives are considered to be the oldest archives of the local authorities and provide a rich source of information in terms of society, economics, culture and genealogy across regions. This collection gives a fascinating insight into the oldest collection from Clare County Archives.

A predecessor of the present local government structure and dating from medieval times, the grand jury gradually evolved with its functions expanding to include dispensaries, county infirmaries, lunatic asylums, courthouses, schools, hospitals, public buildings, the county gaol, and the provision of roads and bridge

Clare County Archives have recently ingested a new collection of Grand Jury archives into the Repository – including lists of Clare Grand Juries for the spring and summer assizes dating between 1689 and 1882. Other materials ingested include The Grand Jury Presentment Books from 1813-1900, which hold printed lists of proposed and approved works to be undertaken across the county during the years 1876-1998. The Presentments also include lists of cess payers (generally a local taxpayer) in each barony, as well as assorted reports from the Clare county infirmary and county gaol.

Also ingested into the Repository are Letters and Circulars to the Grand Juries of County Clare from a variety of sources including: the Paymaster of Civil Services Office, Office of Public Works, Office of General Valuation of Ireland, Government Prisons Office, the Poor Law Commission Office and the Limerick District Lunatic Asylum. 

These newly-deposited items – now preserved for long-term access – complement the existing items already published online including a range of Presentment books. You can explore the full collection in the DRI Repository. You can also keep up with all of DRI’s new collections by signing up to our newsletter.

Article image: An example of letters and circulars to the grand juries of County Clare from a variety of sources. Clare Grand Jury. Letters and Circulars, Digital Repository of Ireland [Distributor], Clare County Archives and Library Service [Depositing Institution], https://repository.dri.ie/catalog/dz01dh25h