having recently viewed the tenison estate records in dublin, after the name of one of the rent payers was the word , ariel. does anyone have an idea what this can mean ?
You don't specifically say what part of the records you were looking at. The word "ariel" has several meanings depending on the context of the paragraph. Also the time period would be important.
Try a search in Google Books for a couple of ones that might apply.
You're welcome John, but I don't think I was much help. None of my dictionaries etc list anything that even remotely relates to rent payments, estates, land and so on. I will keep it in mind and see if anyone else knows what it refers to.
Regards Nuala
May I be so bold as to suggest that the word was handwritten and was actually "Ann'l" meaning "Annual." Most rents, but not all, were paid twice yearly. Perhaps this tenant paid annually.
Sean, you are absolutely right in assuming that the word could be something else. Without seeing the actual graphic it is very difficult to determine. Irish records are rife with abrieveations, so it is indeed possible it is "ann'l".
Best, Nuala