Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
London Committee for the Relief of the Distressed Irish
British and Irish Ladies Association for Improving the Condition of Female Peasantry
Irish Peasantry Society
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
In May 1822 'a numerous meeting of merchants, bankers and others' in London formed itself into a committee, known by many names, but most often described as the London Committee for the Relief of the Distressed Irish. Their aim was to raise a general subscription to relieve famine in Ireland caused by crop failure. Money was raised from individuals and organisations in London and the UK, and as far afield as India. The intention was to provide small loans to the poor, administered by local agents. After some initial success, the committee became mired in allegations of misuse of funds, and officially closed its books in April 1824. During its existence, the Committee met at the City of London Tavern.