Young Pauper Girl in Cork
This illustration of a young pauper girl in Cork is just one example of the many poor children who would have grown up in poverty in Cork in the 1800 and 1900s.
Young Pauper Girl in Cork
Young Pauper Girl in Cork
This illustration of a young pauper girl in Cork is just one example of the many poor children who would have grown up in poverty in Cork in the 1800 and 1900s.
The 1700s and 1800s saw contrasting fortunes for the people of Cork. The 1700s saw much economic growth in Cork, with the port becoming very busy.
Many wealthy merchants and businessmen lived in Cork at this time, while the streets and bridges of the city were also improved.
The 1700s also saw the growth of the first suburbs, with the rich moving out to newer grander houses outside of the city centre. Their former houses were often turned into tenements where an entire working class family often lived in just one room.
Extreme poverty continued to exist in Cork throughout the 1700 and 1800s.
The 1800s saw a decline in Cork's economic fortunes, with the port becoming less busy.
Many people lost their jobs as a result, while the Great Famine resulted in starvation and emigration to America for many.