Subfonds 38 - Fr John Errington SJ

The papers represented in this collection relate to an estate in Counties Kildare and Westmeath inherited by Fr John Errington SJ. Although Fr Errington was a member of the English Province, it was decided that the estate he inherited should be administered by the Irish Province who should also benefit from the income (J38/61 and J38/62).

The many legal documents contained in this collection highlight the complex nature of landed estates, particularly when the Land Commission became involved. It is difficult to trace exactly how Fr Errington came to inherit the estate in counties Kildare and Westmeath. But one document in particular, J38/27, reveals some valuable information. It would appear that a gentleman by the name of John Hyacinth Nangle (died 17 September 1865) left his estate to a number of beneficiaries, namely his wife Mary Nangle, George A. Nicolls (who was also appointed executor), Sir Percy Nugent and John Errington (later Fr Errington SJ). Following the deaths of Mary Nangle and Sir Percy Nugent (who died without issue - needs checking) the latter appointed George A. Nicolls, Walter Sweetman and Margaret Nugent executors and executrix of his will. In addition George A. Nicolls was appointed a trustee of the will of John Hyacinth Nangle instead of Sir Percy Nugent, deceased. After the death of George A. Nicolls his estate passed to his brother Archibald Dowdall Nicolls. This man died without issue and it would appear that Fr Errington inherited the Garrisker estate. Letters written by Fr Errington reveal that he had little knowledge of the property (J38/63). However, in a letter to Fr Farley he refers to a Cecil Nugent and remarks 'I was under the impression that Cecil Nugent who died lately in Canada without issue was the last in the entail...' (J38/64).