The Grand Jury's responsibility for Roads

Carlow Grand Jury Presentments 1860a

The Grand Jury was the most important local body in rural Ireland during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. They were empowered to raise money by means of the county rates. They were responsible for the construction of roads and bridges and the upkeep of the lunatic asylums and hospitals. Members of the Grand Jury were selected by the High Sheriff from the leading property owners in the county. In this cover detail from Grand Jury Presentments for 1860 we can see several well-known names from the landed gentry of County Carlow.

Carlow County Library

Carlow Grand Jury Presentments 1860a
Carlow County Library

Carlow Grand Jury Presentments 1860a

Carlow County Library

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The Grand Jury was the forerunner of the modern County Council. It was made up of members selected by the High Sheriff from the leading landowners in the County. It's primary role to raise money for a variety of local public works by means of the county cess or rates.

Catholics were not permitted to serve on grand juries until 1793. Although after that time the jury lists were still predominantly protestant. Presentment Sessions were held prior to the assizes, at which the jurors considered presentments - grants for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, as well as other items.

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