Griffiths Valuation Explained (pdf)

A BRIEF OUTLINE OF GRIFFITHS VALUATION.

The Griffith's Valuation, or Primary Valuation of Ireland, was executed under the direction of Sir Richard Griffith to determine the amount of tax each person should pay towards the support of the poor within their Poor Law Union (PLU). This involved determining the value of all privately held lands and buildings in rural as well as urban areas to decide the rate at which each unit of property could be rented year after year. The resulting survey was arranged by Barony and Civil Parish, with an index to the townlands appearing in each volume.

The Griffith's Valuation (Primary Valuation) was published between 1848-1864. They started with the Valuation in the south of Ireland and worked northwards. After the initial Valuation was done follow-ups were done periodically; these follow-ups are called the Cancelled Land Books which reflect the details of all changes in the head of households. The new head of household is shown and what year the person took over the property. Depending on which county and which area some Cancelled Land Books were done every 10 years and some for lesser periods of time. The date of the change over can be off by several years but it gives you an idea. These records are available for some counties through the 1960s. This is a great way to trace your family property and their movements from the 1840s.

The original volumes of the survey are held in the National Archives, Dublin Bishop St. Dublin 8 or The National Library, Kildare St. Dublin 2. and Public Record Office, Belfast. Northern Ireland. In Dublin you will need to apply for a reader's ticket, which is valid for the current year.

If you want to find out more about the work of Richard Griffith and His Valuations of Ireland with an Inventory of the Books of the General Valuation of Rateable Property in Ireland why not visit Griffith's Valuation Office.

Using Griffith's Valuation with the Tithe Applotment Books: A combined list of the tithe applotment books and Griffith's Valuation is arranged by county and barony.

Courtesy of Margaret (Mairead)

Important Note

A Lessor OWNS the property as a freeholder, and leases (lets) it to the Lessee who HOLDS the property as a leaseholder (similar to being a tenant, only the terms of the lease can be, say, 99 years, so there is a leasehold value which can be passed on, or transferred for a value).  Sometimes property could be "sub-let" to a third party, who paid rent, usually short term, or at least, shorter than the lease itself, either because it was too big for the lessee, or so that the Lessee could  make a profit on the rent as a source of income.   Tenants could be evicted if they did not pay their rent.

Jean Rice jeanrice@cet.com