Census Substitutes

Griffith Valuation 1847 - 1865

The Griffith survey involved the detailed valuation of

every taxable piece of agricultural or built property in

Ireland. The McClure valuation closely parallels the

1901 census

Agricultural Census 1803

The Census covers the County of Antrim. The Area in

Northern Antrim contains the town of Ballymoney, an

area of high McClure intensity.  Sixteen McClure

farmers were found in three townlands within a two

mile radius of each other. This is a remarkable decree of

continuity over a period of almost 100 years.

Flax Growers List 1793

To encourage weaving as the Linen industry 

industrialized in the late 18th century the government

gave farmers a premium based on how much flax was

sown. The Linen industry was a major employer in the

18th and 19th century McClure’s like most Ulster

tenants and land owners were involved with the trade.

the   McClure surname was found on the list in each of

the high surname intensity areas. This was most

notable in Donegal. Antrim was a key linen producing

area but the flax growers list evidently had poor

coverage in this area. The key observation is the

McClure’s were present in each of the area identified in

the 19th century census.

Protestant household returns 1740

In 1740 a “census” of Protestant householders was

taken in Ireland. The Ulster transcripts include the  

names and places  for counties Antrim, Armagh, Down,

Donegal, Londonderry and Tyrone. The McClures  in 

The Route, Ballymoney and Ballymena are well

represented.

The Ulster Hearth Money Roll 1669

The first Hearth Money Act was passed in the Irish

Parliament in 1662. Each heart ‘other place used for

firing’or was accessed 2 shillings . Arranged by county,

parish and, usually, townland, the Hearth Money Rolls

list the names of householders who were liable to pay

tax at the rate of two shillings on every hearth or

fireplace they had. There is excellent coverage in

Antrim and Donegal covering the major core areas of

the McClure surname.

 Muster Roll 1630

The Muster Roll lists two McClures on the Lord

Viscount Ards estate in Down. Additionally 2 McCleers

are noted in the Barony of Rapho in Donegal. The issue

of the McCleers will be discussed at more length in the

conclusion that follows.

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