A crowd outside a dwelling where an eviction notice is being served. The presence of armed enforcers and the gentleman banging on the door with a mallet or hammer makes the scene very tense and menacing. It is possible that the tenants will be forcibly evicted within minutes. Evictions of peasants was widespread in 19th century Ireland against the backdrop of the potatoe famine and lack of other means of employment - as peasants fell behind with their rent.