County Longford residents prior to the famine

"The Tithe Applotment Books were compiled around the 1930s as a record of all persons owning, leasing or renting land throughout Ireland. Encompassing many common subjects of the British Administration as well as wealthy persons, the survey ensured that all those assessed would pay the proper tithe to the established Church of Ireland. The widely perceived injustice of the provisions of this tax collection served as a catalyst in the Irish fight for independence"--Inside cover.