Taylour
Family title
Earl of Bective, Marquess of Headfort
Estate(s)
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Taylour (Headfort) | Thomas Taylour, a surveyor from Sussex, came to Ireland in the mid-17th century and assisted Sir William Petty with his survey of the country. He sold his estates in England and purchased land in Ireland mainly in counties Meath and Cavan. His son Thomas was created a baronet of Ireland in 1704. The 1st Baronet’s grandson, also named Thomas, was created Baron Headfort in 1762 and Earl of Bective in 1766 and died in 1795. His son, another Thomas, was created Marquess of Headfort at the time of the Act of Union 1800. The county Cavan estate of the 2nd Marquess of Headfort was located in the parishes of Lurgan, Munterconnaught, Loughan and Mullagh, barony of Castlerahan, which borders county Meath. In 1878 the Marquess owned 14,220 acres in county Cavan and 7,576 acres in county Meath. What remained of the estate was sold by the 6th Marquess of Headfort in 1981. The National Library now holds two collections of estate papers relating to the Headfort estate. |