The distinct objective of this research project will be to consider how the rural areas within County Armagh, considered one of the most commercially successful linen–producing areas and heartlands of industry within Ulster, suffered from destitution due in part to the effects of the Great Famine in 1845. It will be a requisite of this work to consider if an accurate synopsis of the events of post 1845 can be explained by means of the Unionist interpretation that the calculable degree of suffering and consequent destitution that was endured by the population of County Armagh was the direct result of what could be correctly described as an industrial based economic slump, or ‘Money Famine’, is an accurate synopsis of the period. Thus the primary intent of this essay and consequential research that will be undertaken is not to specifically contest the legitimacy of the aforementioned economic theory, but rather to render an informative account of the actual events and effects upon the local town lands of County Armagh. To consider the reasons for relief afforded to the selected parishes, and to focus upon the calculable degree of depravation and the consequent changes to the manufacturing and agricultural practices of rural post famine County Armagh. For research purposes I have selected to focus upon newspaper reports of the period in question, which I intend to source from the Local Studies library and Cardinal O’ Fiaich archive in Armagh. In conjunction with the relevant public records relating to the period, I will be visiting the PRONI offices in Belfast, for information relating to government and workhouse documentation. It is also the intention to consult several specific famine related publications, from such offerings as O’Grada, Daly and Hughes. It will also be a feature of my research process to communicate with local historical societies within the Armagh region to perhaps uncover details as yet unpublished within the academic arena.
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