The War of Independence/ Civil War & The Big House in Co Waterford

Waterford County Museums first talk for the New year is certain to generate a great deal on interest. William Fraher has - as usual - focused in on subject matter which is as controversial as it is interesting. William who is curator of the museum which is housed at the old Town Hall Dungarvan is not known to shy away from an historical Challenge and this talk will certainly prove to be as praiseworthy as the numerous others which he has given for the society.
The aim of this talk is to shed some light on a particular aspect of the War of Independence/ Civil War in Co Waterford - That is - how it impacted on the Big House in Co Waterford. The subject has been touched on by various historians of the period, but not in any great detail. William’s indept research will also prove valuable to students with an interest in ‘the Big Houses’ and any learning gained from William’s talk can be generalised into many fields of research.
William felt it would be interesting to see the subject from the Anglo-Irish viewpoint and how it impacted on their lives and how it shaped their attitudes to the new emerging Ireland.

As sources he has used original manuscripts and letters which are unpublished, newspapers and witness statements etc. He will also look at how this subject was portrayed in the literature of the period focusing on Emily Ussher of Cappagh House who is now a totally forgotten figure. She and her husband Beverly Ussher were very much nationalists and supporters of the Irish language.
Houses featured in the talk include - Mount Congreve, Curraghmore, Gardenmorris, Comeragh, Whitfield, Annestown, Lismore Castle, Cloncoskeran etc.

This is certain to be a fascinating talk with new insights from original documents recently unearthed by William. There will be a question and answer session after the talk and William will endeavour to deal with as many questions as he can. As usual, the talk is open to everybody and will take place at the Town Theatre on St. Augustine Street on Wednesday 19th January at 8 PM.