The Archives

The archives of The Erasmus Smith Trust extend from about 1650 to the present day. They are reasonably complete, although documentation of the schools is slightly lacking in the late 18th century. The collection material has now been listed on an extensive database and is available for use by researchers interested in the history of Irish education, local history, past pupils, etc. There is also a past pupils database of High School students.

General Outline of Archive Holdings

There is a complete set of minute books for meetings of the Board of Governors (The Governors of the Schools founded by Erasmus Smith Esq.) dating from 1674; accounts from 1673; legal papers 1671-1959 and letter books from 1810-1930; material relating to scholarships, exhibitions and appointments in Trinity College, Dublin, 1702-1984; minutes of the Standing Committee, 1803-1961; letter books, 1810-1951; and correspondence, 1831-c.1980.

The Estates are well documented in maps 1711-1980 and through property documents such as leases, fee farm grants and conveyances 1658-c.1980; rental books 1658-c.1980 which give the names of tenants and sometimes also detail the quality and use made of the lands, with correspondence, 1857-c.1980; Irish Land Commission documents 1879–1940 and valuations 1818-c.1980. There are also land agent letter books for 1862-1911 and files of correspondence 1859-c.1970 for agents and solicitors who took care of the estates on behalf of the Governors.

Records for the High School, Dublin date from 1870-present; Drogheda Grammar School (open from 1679-1938), records 1680–1956; Galway Grammar School (open from 1678-1958), records 1715–1962; Tipperary Grammar School, The Abbey School (open from c.1676–c.1920), records 1760–1939; Ennis Grammar School (open from 1777-1891), records 1832–1930. There are files of letters relating to maintenance and staffing, plans for alterations to school premises and records of the events that shaped the schools. Other earlier references to these schools can be found in the Board Registers or minutes. For The High School, Dublin, there are also photographs of class groups, sports teams and school events dating from 1871.

The English Schools [primary schools funded by the Trust and located in all counties except in counties Leitrim and Monaghan] records contain letters from the teachers and superintendents to the Registrar regarding the running of the schools and any problems that may have arisen with correspondence, 1778-c.1980. There are also reports from teachers and inspectors on schools 1852-1935. Plans and estimates for the building of some of the English Schools also exist in the archives, including architectural plans for 64 buildings 1803-1902.

There are archives of the many court cases in which the Board of Governors were involved, mostly relating to tenants on the estates. There are letters and accounts relating to Christ’s Hospital, London, England 1651-c.1912; The King’s Hospital, Dublin 1679-1940; exhibitions, scholarships, professors' salaries and other matters relating to Trinity College, Dublin 1702-1956; Great Brunswick Street Commercial School, Dublin 1871-1899 and reports on education in Ireland from the turn of the 20th century.

Left: the archive storage area   Right: the archive display area

Research

Researchers are invited to come to the Archive facility to conduct primary research. Access is strictly by appointment only. Hours of access are Monday to Wednesday 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. There is no charge for access although fees apply to requests by email or post. The Archive is located on the grounds of the High School.

Contact

Alan Phelan, Archivist, 'Danum', Zion Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6, Ireland

Telephone: +353 1 492 2611 extension 131 Fax: +353 1 492 4427

email: archives@highschooldublin.com

Research fees

Due to the increasing number of requests for information from researchers by mail and email the following fees are now in effect. These apply when the researcher cannot come in person to the Archive. The initial research fee, as indicated below, can be waived in special circumstances, especially if the research is for academic use. 

All fees must be paid in full before copies and/or research is dispatched.

Cheques, bank drafts or money orders should be made payable to the 'Schools founded by Erasmus Smith Esq.'. Orders from outside Ireland should be paid in Euro. Foreign currency cannot be accepted.

Initial research fee

The initial fee for research is €30.  This fee will pay for up to one hour of research by Archives staff, up to ten photocopies and/or results from the Archives database and dispatch.  Please note that the we cannot guarantee that information will be found.  Please be sure to enclose your address if you enquire via email.

Additional research fees

Further research can be conducted if required. The duration and cost of research required should be arranged with the Archivist.  €30 per hour (charged per half hour), 20 cents per photocopy and €2 for dispatch.

Research requested

Please be as specific as possible. List full names, place names, any alternate or old place names, school name, dates or date range, keywords, etc.

Reprographic and reproduction charges

Copying fees apply for copies of collection photographs, maps, plans and documents which can be ordered from the Archive in a variety of photographic formats - black and white prints, colour prints, 35mm slides and 120mm transparencies. A quote will be given based on the initial research into the collections.  Reprographic orders require a minimum of four weeks for processing following receipt of payment.

There is no reproduction charge where items are ordered for personal use only. The reproduction by publication (in all media formats), by transmission or broadcast, or for display in a public area, is subject to the permission of the Board of Governors of the Schools founded by Erasmus Smith Esq. and to the payment of the relevant fee. Permission to reproduce material from the collections must be sought in writing from the Board of Governors of the Schools founded by Erasmus Smith Esq., Archives, 'Danum', Zion Road, Dublin 6, Ireland.  The application should contain the following information:

• The title of the publication and the author and publisher

• The format of the reproduction

• Where in the publication the image will be placed

• The print run of the publication and the target audience

If an image is to be used for television, film or electronic media please request permission via the Archivist, Erasmus Smith Trust Archives, 'Danum', Zion Road, Dublin 6, Ireland.  All reproduced photographs must carry the acknowledgement "Courtesy the Board of Governors of the Schools founded by Erasmus Smith Esq."

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