Teachers' Residences & External Evidence

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Teachers' Residences

Many schools in the 19th Century were very remote from towns. As there were no motor cars, teachers would find it difficult to get to school. A common thing around the 1800's right up to the early 1900's, was that teachers were given a rent-free house to live in near the school. This meant that even on the wettest days teachers could attend the schoolhouse.

It also meant that they did not have to pay for lodgings somewhere else. The residence you see pictured (both) is in Dawros, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. This house is now a family home but you can see the design of this original nineteenth century teacher's house. Can you see what alterations have been made by the present owner? We have found the spotlights and electricity

Teacher's residence findings

Teacher's residence findings: Spotlight and electricity.

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Schools which were in remote areas and which did not have a teachers' residences, often had difficulty getting a teacher to work in them. We know this from written evidence. For example, in 1868, a school called Gortnabinny in Bonane, Kenmare had 50 males and 35 females attending it and there was a need for another assistant. This school was very remote at that time and it found it difficult to get an assistant and work mistress. A report written at the time tells us this:

"The school has been greatly in want of an assistant and work mistress. It was so remote and so far removed from centres of civilisation that the necessity of such an appointment was immediately acknowledged by the Inspector".

(From Bonane: A Centenary Celebration, Fr. John Shine Ed.)

Visual Evidence

Dawros National School
Photo taken by Geraldine O' Connor 2006.


Buildings are one kind of visual evidence. The school teacher had only to walk a short distance to the schoolhouse. Can you see the resemblance in the two buildings? Is the stone work similiar? Look at the school building. Notice the chimney. How do you think Dowros school would have been heated in the past?

This school is now used as a community centre. What changes to the original school do you think have been made to this school and to the area around it? We spotted the tarmac play area and the electricity. What other changes can you and your friends see? Why do you think they are alterations and not the original?

External Evidence on schools

Many old school buildings can still be seen in Ireland. Some are still used as schools. Others are now somebody's home. Others have fallen into disrepair. How would you be able to tell if the building was old or not? What evidence could you find?

Look for clues like a plaque with a date on it or old style windows or doors. Some plaques might be in good condition. Others might be damaged due to weathering or by building damage, paint or chemicals. Look at these pictures of school plaques below.
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External Evidence Quiz

External Evidence Quiz