This study follows the history of Strabane over the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century, a period of social development which is usually little written about in most histories. It explores the role of the landlord, the earls of Abercorn, and the corporation in the development of the town and traces the history of the settlement and economy that emerged as a result of their efforts.

It also charts the evolution of local social structures, forged to meet the needs of the fledging town. This includes the emergence of the various confessional communities in Strabane and the relations between them. A pioneering piece of work on one of the small towns of Ireland.