Land-leasing + subletting

Who primarily owned the land in Ireland during the time of land-leasing and sub-letting?

The land was primarily owned by Anglo-Irish Protestant landlords.

What is the Ulster Custom in the context of tenant farming?

The Ulster Custom allowed tenants to sell their land to a new farmer, providing security and predictability of rent.

Why was the Ulster Custom beneficial for new farmers?

It provided them with security as they knew the previous tenant had paid and looked after the land.

How could tenants behave towards their sub-tenants under the system described?

Tenants could be cruel and could turn sub-tenants off their land without just cause or notice.

What does the term 'sub-letting' refer to in the context of land use?

Sub-letting refers to a tenant renting out the land they lease from the landlord to another farmer.

What were the three main demands of the Irish Tenant League formed in the 1850s?

Fixity of tenure, fair rents, and freedom (3 Fs).

What issue did tenants face due to casual sub-letting agreements?

Constant insecurity with no incentive to improve land, resulting in uneconomic land units.

Why did tenants resent the landowning class in Ireland?

They were stuck in poverty due to high rent demands and the threat of eviction for non-payment.

What were landlords accused of in relation to rental practices?

Charging rack-rents with the threat of eviction for non-payment.

When was the Irish Tenant League formed?

In the 1850s.

What role did land reform play in Irish politics during the time of the Tenant League?

Land reform was central to Irish politics.