Ireland, Catholic Qualification & Convert Rolls - FamilySearch Historical Records

Ireland

Why Should I Look at This Collection?
Catholics were restricted from owning property, holding office and voting during the 1700's. Some of them renounced their religion and converted to the Church of Ireland in order to enjoy such rights. Besides taking the sacrament in the Church of Ireland, they were required to file a certificate in a court of law. Apparently several courts had the authority to grant their rights. Courts listed include King's Bench, Common Pleas, Quarter Sessions of the Peace, and Assizes. The rolls were kept by the Chancery Court Rolls Office until 1867, at which time they were transferred to the Public Records Office. The actual rolls were destroyed by the fire in 1922, but these calendars survive.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:

Convert Rolls

Qualification Rolls
 * Surname
 * Given name
 * Residence
 * Date and place where the oath was taken

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * Name of the person
 * Approximate date of the event

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add the new information to your records
 * Use the information to find the person in other records
 * Analyze the entry to see if if provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * The person may be recorded with an abbreviated form of his name
 * The record may not have been transcribed correctly

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Ireland.
 * Ireland Guided Research
 * Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Related Collections

 * Ireland. Court of Chancery Qualification Rolls index 1793-1796, and Convert Rolls 1703-1800

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.