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Layout of the Workhouse
Standard layout for a workhouse, as published in the Poor Law Commissioners Annual Report, 1839. The standard layout was drawn up by the Poor Law Commissions Architect, George Wilkinson.
Image is present on following page(s): The Union, Building Milford Workhouse, The Union, Building Milford Workhouse
Layout of the Workhouse -
Tenement in Leitrim
The valuations carried out to find the poor rate to finance the poor law in 1838 was an unfair system that did not take into account the state or value of the actual land and holding of the tenements. This particular illustration of a cottage is a good example of the kind of tenement that the poorer classes in Ireland lived in. Taken from Hall’s book, Ireland, Its Scenic Characteristic, the cottage could be found in Leitrim in the 1840’s. The author describes the house as a ‘cabin by no means of the worst class’. Its walls are made of sod or mud, its roof is thatched and in disrepair with a basket for a chimney. It has no window, its only light getting into the cabin through the badly fitted door. Outside the door, as was the custom, there was a hole in the ground for slops and manure. Indeed all the land that could possibly be used for tillage was planted with the potato crop including the fertilised land in front of the doorway. This tenement cabin would have held up to 6 people and a pig or a cow under the same roof, with one bed for the eldest, usually a grandparent. All the other occupants would have sat and slept on the floor. The later Griffith valuations were much more accurately calculated whereby all property in Ireland had a value placed on it, and only those that exceeded four pounds were liable to pay the poor rate taxes.
Copyright managed by the Library Council
Image is present on following page(s): The Union, The Union
Tenement in Leitrim -
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 02.01.1847 - Annual Medical Report
The doctor reports a high number of ill patients in December 1846, 62 in all, including several children with measles. He states that the tropical heat of the Summer of 1846 led to a remarkable increase in cases of dysentery, many of which were fatal to those already infirm.
Copyright managed by the Library Council
Image is present on following page(s): Managing the Union, Health, Managing the Union, Health
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 02.01.1847 - Annual Medical Report -
Indoor Relief Register (1a)
Extract from the register of persons admitted to and discharged from Milford Workhouse. Includes details such as name, sex, age, marital status, birth status, employment, religion and illness.
Copyright of Donegal County Archives Service. No reproduction without permission
Image is present on following page(s): Managing the Union, Case Study: The Deneese Family, Managing the Union, Case Study: The Deneese Family
Indoor Relief Register (1a) -
Dispensary District Committees of Management
Extract from the minutes of Milford Board of Guardians where committees of management for each dispensary district were appointed.
Copyright of Donegal County Archives Service. No reproduction without permission
Image is present on following page(s): Financial Records, Other functions of the Board of Guardians, Dispensaries and Infirmaries, Financial Records, Dispensaries and Infirmaries, Other functions of the Board of Guardians
Dispensary District Committees of Management -
Minute relating to Assisting Emmigration (B)
Minute of Milford Board of Guardians requesting that the commissioners sanction the payment of £3 to provide and outfit and pay a portion of the passage to Philadelphia of a child named Catherine Murray, the other part having been paid by the parents who reside there.
Copyright of Donegal County Archives: No reproduction without permission
Image is present on following page(s): Emigration, Emigration
Minute relating to Assisting Emmigration (B) -
Indoor Relief Register (2a)
Extract from the register of persons admitted to and discharged from Milford Workhouse. Includes details such as name, sex, age, marital status, birth status, employment, religion and illness.
Copyright of Donegal County Archives Service. No reproduction without permission
Image is present on following page(s): Inmates of the Workhouse, Inmates of the Workhouse
Indoor Relief Register (2a) -
Birds Eye View of the Standard Workhouse Image
Birds Eye View of the standard layout for a workhouse, as published in the Poor Law Commissioners Annual Report, 1839. The standard plan was drawn up by the Poor Law Commissions Architect, George Wilkinson.
Image is present on following page(s): The Union, Building Milford Workhouse, The Union, Building Milford Workhouse
Birds Eye View of the Standard Workhouse Image -
A site for Milford Workhouse
Minutes of the board of guardians of Milford Union relating to the search for a site for the workhouse. This extract gives letter stating that it is unlikely that the board of Trinity College will agree to the terms on which Lord Leitrim offered a site for the workhouse.
Copyright of Donegal County Archives. No reproduction without permission.
Image is present on following page(s): The Union, The Search for a Site, The Union, The Search for a Site
A site for Milford Workhouse -
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 16.12.1848 - Training for Inmates
Mr Markey, one of the Gaurdians, proposed a motion for debate on the feasibility of training young men in agricultural practices. He notes that a "want of knowledge from a want of training" was preventing young people from earning a living and was thus forcing them onto dependency on the workhouse and therefore onto the rate payers of the Union. Two weeks later the motion to take six acres of land to employ and train the able-bodied inmates was passed.
Image is present on following page(s): Running the Union, Dunshaughlin - The First Ten Years, Running the Union, Dunshaughlin - The First Ten Years
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 16.12.1848 - Training for Inmates -
Rating of Property valued at over £4
Copy of Advertisment requesting that proprietors send lists to the clerk of occupiers having more than one holding valued together at over £4.
Copyright of Donegal County Archives Service. No reproduction without permission
Image is present on following page(s): Financing the Poor Relief, Financing the Poor Relief
Rating of Property valued at over £4 -
Records of Deaths (2)
Extract from the Record of Deaths detailing date and cause of death, the name, age, sex and date of last admission to the workhouse of the person who died. Includes a record of coffins and shrouds purchased by the workhouse.
Copyright of Donegal County Archives Service. No reproduction without permission
Image is present on following page(s): Inmates of the Workhouse, Inmates of the Workhouse
Records of Deaths (2) -
Newspaper report of meeting of Glendermot Landholders
Extract from the Londonderry Journal, giving an account of a meeting of the landholders and landowners in Glendermot, Co. Donegal. The extract gives the peoples' view of the introduction of poor relief.
Image is present on following page(s): Reaction to the Introduction of Poor Relief, Reaction to the Introduction of Poor Relief
Newspaper report of meeting of Glendermot Landholders -
Workhouse filled to capacity
Extract from the minutes of Milford Board of Guardians, relating to the fact that the workhouse had reached full capacity and ordering that the people who are refused admission be given tickets and provided with outdoor relief.
Copyright of Donegal County Archives Service. No reproduction without permission
Image is present on following page(s): The Famine Years, The Famine Years
Workhouse filled to capacity -
Reaction of John Hamilton, a local landlord and guardian to the poor law
Extract from the Londonderry Journal, giving a letter written by John Hamilton, a member of one of the Donegal Board of Guardians, giving out about the poor law.
Image is present on following page(s): Reaction to the Introduction of Poor Relief, Reaction to the Introduction of Poor Relief
Reaction of John Hamilton, a local landlord and guardian to the poor law -
Poor Law Act Ireland 1838
Opening text of the Poor Law Act, Ireland or "An Act for the more effectual Relief of the Destitute Poor in Ireland" enacted under Queen Victoria on 31st July, 1838. The Poor Law Commissioners were to carry this act into execution. They were given the power to examine witnesses and to call for papers and other documents upon oath. This law was based on the English Poor Law Act of 1834. The Irish Poor Law was under the direction of the Poor Law Commissioners and administered though the Boards of Guardians in each Poor Law Union.
Carlow County Library
Image is present on following page(s): The Poor Law Established, The Poor Law Established
Poor Law Act Ireland 1838 -
Indoor Relief Register (2b)
Extract from the register of persons admitted to and discharged from Milford Workhouse. This extract includes details such as name of husband/wife, number of children, electoral division and townland of residence, date when admitted/born and date when discharged/died.
Copyright of Donegal County Archives Service. No reproduction without permission
Image is present on following page(s): Inmates of the Workhouse, Inmates of the Workhouse
Indoor Relief Register (2b) -
Attendance List and election of officers
List of the people who attended the first meeting of the guardians of Milford Union, and the minutes relating to the election of the officers of the board - the chairman, vice-chairman and deputy vice-chairman.
Copyright of Donegal County Archives. No reproduction without permission
Image is present on following page(s): The Board of Guardians, The Board of Guardians
Attendance List and election of officers -
Nurse joining Irish Republican Army
Extract from the minutes of Milford Board of Guardians relating to a nurse in the Fever Hospital - Kathleen Mackey. She asks the board to grant her permission to accept a trained nurses commission in the Irish Republican Army.
Copyright of Donegal County Archives Service. No reproduction without permission
Image is present on following page(s): The Final Years of Milford Workhouse, The Final Years of Milford Workhouse
Nurse joining Irish Republican Army -
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 27.11.1847 - Increase Capacity Suggestion
Captain Hubard, a Poor Law Commissioner, attended the Board of Guardian meeting on 27 November 1847, in relation to a resolution passed by the Guardians seeking approval to issue outdoor relief. His recommendation was to extend capacity in the house with the addition of sleeping gallereis and sheds. This measure subsequently accommodated 100 people.
Image is present on following page(s): Accommodation, Accommodation
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 27.11.1847 - Increase Capacity Suggestion -
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 01.12.1849 - School Inspection
A school master and mistress were employed to teach the children in the workhouse schools. Inspectors from the National Board of Education visited the schools. This extract is from their report of December 1849.
Image is present on following page(s): Care of the Inmates - Religion - Education, Care of the Inmates - Religion - Education
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 01.12.1849 - School Inspection -
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 09.01.1847 - Overcrowding Measures
The Dunshaughlin Guardians suggested,as an emergency response to overcrowding,that men should be admitted to sleep in the workhouse bathroom. Here the Poor Law Commissioners in Dublin disagree with this solution on health grounds. They recommend, and will authorise, converting another building to workhouse use, or extending the existing workhouse.
Image is present on following page(s): Accommodation, Accommodation
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 09.01.1847 - Overcrowding Measures -
Outdoor Relief Register (extract 2)
Extract from an outdoor relief register from Milford Union giving details such as name, date of relief, sex, age, employment or calling, married or single, name of wife or husband, number of children, electoral division and townland in which resident at the time they began to receive relief.
Copyright of Donegal County Archives Service. No reproduction without permission
Image is present on following page(s): Outdoor Relief, The Famine Years, Outdoor Relief, The Famine Years
Outdoor Relief Register (extract 2) -
Appointment of Medical Officer
Extract from the "Carlow Sentinel" for February 1844 on the proposal and election of Dr. Porter as Medical attendant (Medical Officer) of Carlow Union Workhouse. Dr. Porter was the only candidate for office. Colonel Bruen endorsed the appointment of Dr. Porter and felt that the duties of his office would be efficiently discharged.
Carlow County Library
Image is present on following page(s): Workhouse Officers Appointed, Workhouse Officers Appointed
Appointment of Medical Officer -
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 27.02.1847 - Rent Stables for Accomodation
Overcrowding in the workhouse at the end of 1846 led to a motion to rent stables from Sir William Dillon of nearby Lismullin. This provided extra accommodation, bringing the overall capacity to 497 persons.
Image is present on following page(s): Accommodation, Accommodation
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 27.02.1847 - Rent Stables for Accomodation -
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 21.04.1849 - Inmate Numbers
This return shows that the workhouse increased its capacity from the original 400 places to 806 places. 406 additional places were created by accommodating 40 in temporary buildings, 200 in the permanent fever hospital and 166 in fever sheds. In this week of 21st April 1849 there were 641 inmates in the house.
Image is present on following page(s): Accommodation, Accommodation
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 21.04.1849 - Inmate Numbers -
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 12.12.1846 - Overcrowding iii
A weekly return to the Poor Law Commission for December 1846 showed that 435 inmates were living in the workhouse, 35 more than the 400 person capacity. The Commissioners express concern at the admission of these additional 35 persons. They fear the spread of disease in overcrowded conditions and recommend seeking medical advice on this. They express concern that the wives and children of men in employment are in the workhouse when their earnings could support them.
Image is present on following page(s): Accommodation, Accommodation
Dunshaughlin Poor Law Union - 12.12.1846 - Overcrowding iii -
Signature A.G. English
Te signature of Andrew George English Clerk of the Union from 1st Feb 1850 taken from the Carlow Board of Guardians Minutes Book.
Carlow County Library
Image is present on following page(s): Staffing the Workhouse, Staffing the Workhouse
Signature A.G. English -
Nicholls - Poor Laws Ireland (title page)
The title page of 'Poor-Laws Ireland Three Reports' by George Nicholls. Printed by W.Clowes and Sons, Stamford Street, London.
Carlow County Library
Image is present on following page(s): Find out more, Find out more
Nicholls - Poor Laws Ireland (title page) -
Portrait of Dr Francis Haly (1783-1855)
Bishop Francis Haly was Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin from 1838-1855. He was a native of Doonane Parish in the Queen's County (Co. Laois) and was educated at Maynooth College, which he entered in 1807. His first appointment as a priest was to the parish of Rathvilly in Co. Carlow. Dr. Haly died on the 19th August, 1855. He is buried beside Dr. James Warren Doyle (J.K.L.) in Carlow Cathedral.
Carlow County Library
Image is present on following page(s): Carlow Union Electoral Divisions, The "Lady Peel" and the Bishop's Farewell, Carlow Union Electoral Divisions, The "Lady Peel" and the Bishop's Farewell
Portrait of Dr Francis Haly (1783-1855) -
Signature John Clarke
Extract taken from Carlow Board of Guardians Minutes Book of the signature of John Clarke Clerk Nov 1854 to June 1862.
Carlow County Library
Image is present on following page(s): Staffing the Workhouse, Staffing the Workhouse
Signature John Clarke -
Signature Robert Davies
Extract taken from Carlow Board of Guardians Minutes Book 17 Feb 1848 of the signature of Robert Davies Clerk of the Union.
Carlow County Library
Image is present on following page(s): Staffing the Workhouse, Staffing the Workhouse
Signature Robert Davies