File 2 - House Account Book

255 pp; 34 cm x 22 cm; Bound volume; manuscript

This pre-prepared financial volume records the income and expenditure accounts of the Capuchin Friary in Rochestown, County Cork. Originally printed for the Capuchin Friary on Charlotte Quay, Cork—as indicated by the gilt-stamped title on the front cover—the ledger was subsequently repurposed to track the finances of the Rochestown house. The expenditure sections document both routine operational costs (such as foodstuffs, coal, fuel, travel, clothing, stationery, and postage) and major capital expenses relating to building works on the new friary. The income sections track community revenue generated from church collections, masses, alms, questing, donations, retreats, and student or resident pensions. Significantly, the ledger notes administrative milestones and structural changes, including a November 1886 memorandum written by the Rector, Fr. Peter Bowe OFM Cap., recording the transfer of the novitiate and the establishment of the Seraphic School at Rochestown. The closing page features a financial addendum detailing a final payment of £268 17s 5d transferred to a subsequent volume by Fr. Peter, compiled from bills and statements provided by the Vicar Capitular of the Friary, Fr. Sebastian O’Brien OFM Cap. The accounts are routinely signed by the Vicar Provincial and Minister Provincial during visitations. Gilt title on front cover reads ‘Capuchin Church / Charlotte Quay’.

The volume is in poor condition. The spine binding is cracked and worn and shows some evidence of past worming damage. The covers appear to have suffered water damage and are warped and misshaped. There is also evidence of past mould damage to the opening pages and there is significant dust and dirt accumulation on the volume. Careful manual handling is required.