Grand jury (Ireland):
An unelected county governing body (17th century–1898), dominated by Protestant landowners, responsible for local administration and taxation. Abolished in 1898 and replaced by elected councils.
Members were appointed by the county sheriff,
Sheriff:
A Crown-appointed county official who administered courts and selected the grand jurors each year.
Literacy
In 1851, about 47% of the population aged five and over could neither read nor write.
SCHOOLING
The national school system in Ireland was established in 1831.
This system was introduced by the British government as a form of state-supported primary education intended to be non-denominational, admitting children of all religious persuasions with separate periods allocated for religious instruction.
It aimed to replace the less formal hedge schools and provide a more standardized curriculum emphasizing literacy, numeracy, and moral education.
MONEY
A farthing was worth one-quarter of a penny.
Typical things a farthing (¼d) might buy in 1895 included:
• A small piece of candy or sweets
• A very simple newspaper or leaflet
• A few matches
• A sixpence could buy a loaf of bread, so a farthing was roughly 1/24th of that, enough for very small purchases or portions.
