Lewis’ Topographical Dictionary comprises of several cities, boroughs, parish and villages – with historical and statistical descriptions – of Ireland. Here are From-Ireland.net’s records for Co. Meath.
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PlaceBrownstown
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CountyMeath
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ParishBrownstown
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ContentBROWNSTOWN, a parish, in the barony of UPPER DULEEK, county of MEATH, and province of LEINSTER, 4 miles (E. by S.) from Navan ; containing 457 inbabitants.
It is situated on the road from Navan, through Ashbourne, to Dublin city, and comprises 864 statute acres of arable and pasture land, with the exception of about 32 acres of waste and bog : the land is fertile and is principally under tillage, and the system of agriculture is Improving. There is a good limestone quarry ; a valuable stratum of potters' clay been discovered ; and there are strong indications of the existence of copper ore, but no attempt to work it has hitherto been made.
The only seat is Brownstown House, the property and formerly the residence of the Somerville family, and now being put into a state of repair.
It is a rectory, in the diocese of Meath, entirely impropriate in Sir W. Meredith Somerville, Bart. : the tithes amount to £73. There is no church or chapel, only an ancient burial ground : the clerical duties of the parish are performed by the incumbent of the adjoining parishes forming the union of Kentstown.
In the Roman Catholic divisions it forms part of the union or district of Blacklion.
There are two hedge schools, in which are about 34 boys and 24 girls.