IGRS adds Co. Derry/Londonderry Census Substitute

The Irish Genealogical Research Society (IGRS) has added a new census substitute database to its website, IrishAncestors.ie.

The Balteagh Regium Donum Petition of 1828 notes details on approximately 200 families, comprising 1,023 individuals, all residents of a cluster of sixteen townlands lying to the south-east of the town of Limavady, County Londonderry/Derry.

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The petition refers to the Presbyterian congregation of Balteagh’s attempt to claim a share of the Regium Donum (or Royal Bounty) Fund, established by Charles I in 1672 for the upkeep of Presbyterian clergy in Ireland. It notes, by townland, the head of each family, spouse and children (if any). For instance, in the townland of Ballyness & Maine is the family of Joseph Perrie and his (unnamed) wife and their six children: Bettyann, Sarah, Lavinia, Joseph, Martha and Isabella.

Unfortunately, ages are not recorded, but alternative sources will likely allow ages to be established or estimated.

All index entries in the database are linked to scanned images of the original document, which forms part of the Official Papers series at the National Archives of Ireland.

The full database is a members’ only resource, but name searches can be made freely by all. Click the link above to search.