#ACollection is the theme for #Archive30 today- spoilt for choice?! Our Valuation Office collection is large and complex and reaps great rewards when researched, it is certainly one of our most popular collections and perhaps this thread can explain just a little about it 1/5

2/5 The Primary Valuation of Ireland began in 1826 to value the land of the country for the purpose of establishing a system of local taxation. Richard Griffith was the first commissioner which is why it is often known as the Griffith Valuation. #Archive30 #ACollection

3/5 The main purpose of the Ordnance Survey (est. 1824) was to accurately map the country to facilitate the primary valuation. The valuators used the 6 inch maps made by the OS to carry out the valuation. We hold extensive records for both. #Archive30 @explorearchives

4/5 The Valuation Office sources are arranged by County, Barony, Civil Parish and Townland - know this before you start your research. The material we hold dates c1830 to c1865, later material is still held by the Valuation Office itself. #Archive30 #ACollection

5/5 This has barely scratched the surface so see here for a more in-depth explanation of the Valuation Office: https://www.nationalarchives.ie/article/guide-archives-valuation-office/ and also
here for searchable VO books http://census.nationalarchives.ie/search/vob/home.jsp – note not all are online (come and see us in person when normality resumes!)