In this essay I will examine the origins, purpose and general features of the Irish workhouse. I will also be discussing the type of people that were likely to spend time there and some of their detail of their day to day lives. I will also be taking a look at a workhouse which was once located in my local area.
Origins of the Irish Workhouse
The Irish workhouse system came about in 1838 rising from the English Paw Law system. The English government thought that the workhouse system was “the most cost effective way of tackling the desperate state of poverty in Ireland”. (Abandonedireland.com. (2016) As part of this initiative, the English government sent over the English Poor Law Commissioner, George Nicholls to deal with Irelands growing problem. He came to the conclusion that like England, Ireland also needed a …show more content…
Breakfast was served at 6.30 am and work commenced until 12 noon. Lunch took place then and work continued until 6 o clock that day. Supper then was at around 7pm, followed by bed time. Once a week inmates were allowed to shower. As previously stated on entering family members were split and could be “punished if they attempted to speak to each other”. ("Abandoned Ireland", 2016). All meals were in the dining area and were in silence. A roll call was called before breakfast every day.
Work in the workhouse was tough. Women did domestic jobs such as cleaning, laundry and cooking in the kitchen while men often had to break stones for the construction of roads. Children in workhouses often knew no different growing up there. They were supposed to go to school to learn reading, writing, maths and religion. However this was somewhat different with “School teachers were often incompetent and cruel, incapable of teaching enormous classes of hungry and dirty children”. ("Portumna Work House Story, History & Heritage, Galway Ireland | | South East Galway IRD", 2016)
Origins of the Irish Workhouse
The Irish workhouse system came about in 1838 rising from the English Paw Law system. The English government thought that the workhouse system was “the most cost effective way of tackling the desperate state of poverty in Ireland”. (Abandonedireland.com. (2016) As part of this initiative, the English government sent over the English Poor Law Commissioner, George Nicholls to deal with Irelands growing problem. He came to the conclusion that like England, Ireland also needed a …show more content…
Breakfast was served at 6.30 am and work commenced until 12 noon. Lunch took place then and work continued until 6 o clock that day. Supper then was at around 7pm, followed by bed time. Once a week inmates were allowed to shower. As previously stated on entering family members were split and could be “punished if they attempted to speak to each other”. ("Abandoned Ireland", 2016). All meals were in the dining area and were in silence. A roll call was called before breakfast every day.
Work in the workhouse was tough. Women did domestic jobs such as cleaning, laundry and cooking in the kitchen while men often had to break stones for the construction of roads. Children in workhouses often knew no different growing up there. They were supposed to go to school to learn reading, writing, maths and religion. However this was somewhat different with “School teachers were often incompetent and cruel, incapable of teaching enormous classes of hungry and dirty children”. ("Portumna Work House Story, History & Heritage, Galway Ireland | | South East Galway IRD", 2016)