The Big House in the North of Ireland: Land, Power and Social Elites, 1878 - 1960

by Olwen Purdue

The Big House in the North of Ireland explores the changing fortunes of the landed elite in the six counties that became Northern Ireland from the land war of the late 1870s to the last days of the Unionist government at Stormont in the 1960s.

Purdue examines the social, economic and political challenges faced by the north's landed elite - tenant agitation, the break-up of their estates and the growing political challenge initially from Belfast's mercantile class and, eventually, from populist political movements - and determines the extent to which these undermined the foundations of their influence. She discusses the strategies adopted by the north's landed class to meet the challenges it faced and uncovers the reasons for the Big House clinging on as a social and political force in Northern Ireland long after it had ceased to hold any value in the rest of the island.

328 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2009

Reviews

[Brian Curragh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of how the Victorian Big House dominance of Ulster was gradually eroded by a range of factors which included political change, increasing taxation, the effects of the Great War and a declining influence in the society around them. Olwen Purdue also brings out why the decline in the North was radically different from the process south of the border, particularly with regard to timescale. And finally, for a PhD thesis, this is very readable. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Ulster history!