Robert Gore Booth and His Landed Estate in County Sligo, 1814 - 1876: Land, Famine, Emigration and Politics

This study examines Sir Robert Gore Booth and his estates. One, of the largest proprietors in Co. Sligo in the nineteenth century, with properties in Drumcliff, Rossiver and Ballymote, Gore Booth was an improving and resident landlord who spent large amounts of money improving the estate and in building Lissadell House. He adopted a paternalistic approach to this people, not only on his property, but among the community at large, especially during the Famine. Part of policy to improve the estate and consolidate holdings was to assist 1,500 of his tenants to emigrate to North America during the Famine. While most of the schemes were successful there were occasions where the tenants arrived in a poor condition for which he was severely criticized by the Canadian authorities. Sir Robert was actively involved in local politics and was the MP for the county for 26 years.