‘Dismissed - to the general joy of ye family’ - assembling a narrative of servant life in the country house in Fingal
The historical narrative around the Irish country house has long recognised its place as the epicentre of a community; economically, socially, and culturally. Particularly in Ireland where Industry was less frequent, the country house was one of the largest employers and engaged a local workforce. This relationship was often more nuanced in Ireland with difficulties around finding adequately trained staff, and for the servants themselves finding regular constant employment in the face of absenteeism. This talk will explore the experience of servants in the 'big houses' of Fingal drawing on locally held archival material.
Cathal Dowd-Smith is the Curator & Collections Manager of Newbridge House and Farm and Malahide Castle and Gardens. He holds a degree in the History of Art and Architecture and History from Trinity College Dublin. Cathal’s current research interests are in the Irish country house, and the architectural and landscape histories of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
This talk forms part of the 'History in the Library' day at the Fingal Festival of History. Four talks will take place over one day in the Carnegie Library in Swords. To book the other talks taking place that day, use the links below:
10am – 11am Declan Brady Who should pay for the Water: the story of the Malahide Water Supply Controversy
2pm – 3pm Frank Whearity 'Aspects of the history of Kenure house & estate (Kenure Park), Rush, Co. Dublin: & the people who lived there (c.1652-1978)’
3.15pm – 4.15pm Daniel Eglington-Carey ‘Ancient Pile Undergoes Improvement: a period of change for Howth Castle at the opening of the 20th century’.
