Land Agent Workshop

On Saturday 24 October, a workshop on the history of the land agent was hosted by Dundee University. ‘The Land Agent in transnational context: an interdisciplinary context’ was organised by Dr Annie Tindley (Centre for Scotland’s Land Futures), Dr Ciaran Reilly (Centre for the Study of Historic Irish Houses and Estates) and Dr Lowri Ann Rees (Institute for the Study of Welsh Estates).

Known as land agents in Ireland and Wales, and factors in Scotland, the role and duties of these middle men were highlighted through a range of stimulating papers. They included specific case studies of agents and estates, to the impact of external factors such as riots, rebellions and revolutions, the coming of the railways and the issue of land agency home and away in the Caribbean. Lively discussions took place following each of the three panels, and striking parallels were drawn between Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Dr Lowri Ann Rees and Mr Einion Thomas represented ISWE and gave papers on their research.

We are hoping that a publication will stem from this workshop, and that a similar event will be held again in the near future, to continue with the discussions and build on the links forged. 

Publication date: 2 November 2015