Headfort Estate , Ireland

The Headfort Estate was purchased by Thomas Taylour of Sussex in 1660. Taylor had assisted Sir William Petty in his 'Down Survey' - an attempt to produce a topographical map of Ireland, and it is likely Taylour was either awarded Headfort for his assistance or bought it with revenue gained from his part in the survey. Thomas Taylour's son, Thomas Taylour (1662-1736) was made an Irish Baronet and was MP for Kells. His son, also Sir Thomas Taylour (d 1757) was the 2nd Baronet and also MP for Kells. The volumes date primarily from the period of Thomas Taylour (1724-1795), Earl of Bective.