An exploration of testamentary behaviour in twentieth-century Ireland
2009; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 14; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/j.hisfam.2009.08.001
ISSN1873-5398
Autores Tópico(s)Scottish History and National Identity
ResumoAbstract This article highlights trends in testamentary behaviour in modern Ireland derived from registers of probate cases. Primary findings show a consistently high level of intestacy in modern Ireland. It argues that such rates were more closely related to popular perceptions rather than an understanding of succession law. It also highlights that while real property was not normally divided pre-mortem transfer of non-fixed assets complicated efforts to understand how estates devolved. Testamentary behaviour also shifted significantly in favour of pious bequests in the period under review. Keywords: Testamentary behaviourIntestacyInheritanceSuccession lawModern IrelandHousehold formationCelibacyPious bequests Acknowledgements I am very grateful to Dr John Walsh for interviewing the late Dr Patrick Hillery, confirming his crucial role in reducing rates of intestacy in County Clare. I would also like to thank Dr Catherine Lawless and Dr Margaret Ó hÓgartaigh for their many helpful comments and corrections. Participants at the National Library Society meeting, where this paper was presented in November 2008, gave great feedback, in particular the respondent Professor Niall Osborough and Felix Larkin. Members of the Irish Genealogy Research Society offered good advice too, in particular, Máire MacCongail, Steven Smyrl and Paddy Waldron. This empirical research would not have been possible without the cooperation and assistance of the National Archives of Ireland, Caitriona Crowe, Aideen Ireland and Ken Martin were especially helpful. I am also grateful to Jan Kok for his invaluable comments and the advice of Fr Tom Looney, An Daingean.
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