White Elephants: The Country House and the State in Independent Ireland, 1922-73

The `Big House' is a jewel in the Irish landscape, but the relationship between the country house and the state has been complex and nuanced. From the 1920s to the 1970s, hundreds of former landlords' residences were sold, demolished, or abandoned to ruin. White Elephants examines the complex attitudes of politicians and senior civil servants to the country house and the effects of land division and the alienation of the Anglo-Irish class. It tracks the development of the Irish country house from burden to heritage site, running in parallel with the development of Ireland from a fledgling state to taking its place in the international community of the EEC in 1973.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 336 pages
\n Publication date: 11 November 2018
\n Publisher: University College Dublin Press
\n

The `Big House' is a magnificent and awe-inspiring symbol of Ireland's rich heritage, a testament to the country's architectural and cultural achievements. However, the relationship between the state and these grand residences has been complex and nuanced, marked by challenges and changes over the years.

Since the establishment of the Free State in 1922, houses like Castletown, Mote Park, and Shanbally Castle have faced numerous threats to their survival. These extravagant but ineffectual `white elephants' were seen as burdensome gifts at a time when much of the population struggled with poverty. As a result, hundreds of former landlord's residences, often perceived as symbols of British oppression, were sold, demolished, or abandoned, leaving them to decay and ruin.

Despite the significant shift in perception towards these houses as part of the national heritage, the relationship between the state and the country house has not been thoroughly examined. In his book, "White Elephants," author and historian John Horgan delves into this complex history, using previously unused government records to shed light on the attitudes of politicians, senior civil servants, and the Anglo-Irish class towards these houses.

The book analyzes the actions of the Office of Public Works and the Land Commission, as well as the effects of land division and the alienation of the Anglo-Irish class. It uncovers the personal history and attitudes behind decisions for demolition or salvation, providing a fresh perspective on these iconic buildings.

Through case studies of significant Irish houses such as Bishopscourt, Derrynane, Dunsandle, and others, Horgan illustrates the diverse range of challenges and opportunities faced by these houses. He explores the political, social, and economic factors that influenced their preservation or destruction, highlighting the complex interplay between the state, private owners, and the wider community.

"White Elephants" is a valuable contribution to the study of Irish history and heritage. It sheds light on the complex relationship between the state and the country house, challenging preconceptions and providing a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of these iconic buildings. By examining previously unmined sources, Horgan offers a fresh perspective on the history of Ireland's grand residences, contributing to our collective memory and appreciation of this rich heritage.

\n Weight: 702g\n
Dimension: 241 x 172 x 34 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781910820285\n \n