New Book
The Bad Times
– Waterford Country Houses During The Revolutionary Period By William Fraher
This fascinating book that focuses on the impact of
the War of Independence / Civil War on the owners of big houses in County
Waterford. Most of these houses were modest in size and some were hunting
lodges. This book approaches the subject from the viewpoint of the owners of
the Big Houses and how it impacted on their lives and their attitudes to
England and the new emerging Ireland.
The role of the house and estate staff is also examined. It looks at the
efforts of the owners to obtain compensation to rebuild their houses which were
burned or damaged. Fortunately, a number of primary sources became available
during the research which have now been brought together for the first time.
This book also looks at how this period is covered in unpublished local
eye-witness accounts written by Anglo-Irish women. These are key primary sources by Emily Ussher
of Cappagh House, Mildred Dobbs of Camphire House, the Hon. Mary Olivia de la
Poer of Gurteen le Poer, Beatrix, Lady Osborne Beauclerk and Frida Keane of
Cappoquin. There are numerous illustrations of the various different houses and
related aspects connected to them.
The cost of this book is €20, and is available to
purchase at Waterford County Museum, Friary Street Dungarvan. If you purchase
this book at the Museum you can get an exclusive signed copy by the
author. The Book is also available at
David Walsh Office supplies shop Main Street, Dungarvan, Eason’s Dungarvan
Shopping Centre and The Book Centre Waterford City. This publication was supported by the
Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the
Decade of Centenaries 2012-2013 initiatives and Waterford City and County
Council Commemorations Committee.
