Background
The Land War in Ireland was a period of unrest when tenant farmers fought for fairer rents and better conditions. The unrest began in the 1870s and would continue for nearly three decades. The farmers were led by an organization known as the Land League. It was founded by Michael Davitt and its campaign centred on achieving "the three Fs": Fair rent, Fixity of tenure and Free Sale.
One of the most dramatic events of the Land War took place in Bodyke, Co. Clare, during the 1800s.
One of the most dramatic events of the Land War took place in Bodyke, Co. Clare, during the 1800s.
Colonel O'Callaghan
Mary Fort House
Mary Fort House, residence of the O'Callaghan family. The O'Callaghans owned a large estate in Clare. The house was demolished in 1967 by the last member of the family to live there.
Mary Fort House
Mary Fort House
Mary Fort House, residence of the O'Callaghan family. The O'Callaghans owned a large estate in Clare. The house was demolished in 1967 by the last member of the family to live there.
The O'Callaghan family owned 4,842 acres of land in Co. Clare. The lived in Mary Fort House, a few miles from Bodyke.
In 1879, a group campaigning for tenants' rights suggested that because of poor economic conditions in Ireland landlords should be asked to reduce their rents. Many landlords in Clare followed this suggestion and reductions of between 15 and 20% were granted.
Colonel O'Callaghan
Colonel John O'Callaghan, the landlord at the centre of the controversy at Bodyke.
Courtesy Archives NUI GalwayColonel O'Callaghan
Courtesy Archives NUI Galway
Courtesy Archives NUI Galway
Colonel O'Callaghan
Colonel John O'Callaghan, the landlord at the centre of the controversy at Bodyke.
Courtesy Archives NUI GalwayHowever, tenants on the O'Callaghan estate were not satisfied with the reductions granted them. Prior to 1879, landlord-tenant relations on the estate had been good but they began to deteriorate until a boycott was called against Colonel O'Callaghan in 1880.
A protest demonstration organised by the Land League in Scarrif, in November 1880, attracted over 10,000 people. It was decided at the demonstration that tenants would refuse to pay rack rents or take land which had been left vacant when another tenant was evicted.
O'Callaghan was not to be swayed though. Indeed, he felt that any attempt by peasants to organize themselves and protest was a crime in itself.