Persecution

1800-1877 ~ In the early 1800s the penal laws in force in Ireland discriminated against non-Anglicans, principally Catholic and Presbyterian. It had been promised that they would be abolished with the Act of Union. The early 19th century was the era of the Industrial revolution and the Irish Linen industry made great expansions. Work had moved to the cities and the population followed and grew to include many of whom worked in agriculture or related industry. Most Irish landlords were Protestants, simply because the law forbade Catholics from owning land.

Irish Catholics

Prior to the 1830s very few Catholic parishes have Baptismal records[i] because Catholic priests were marginal persons in the eyes of the Anglican authorities and baptism into the Catholic faith was penalised under the law. Before 1830s baptism records, which could serve as evidence in a court, were seldom kept. Catholic parents had their children baptised as soon as possible after birth, usually within a week if the child was healthy, but even earlier if it was ill. (Reference website - Church of Latter Day Saints for the baptism records of Kilseily parish where Broadford is situated.

1800 - The Acts of Union of 2 July 1800 and 1 August 1800 respectively, united the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain bringing England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland under a new flag - the Union Jack. Both Acts, though since amended, remain in force in the United Kingdom.