In 1815, Britain's war against Napoleon ended. This was bad news for Cork because the British navy no longer needed as many supplies. Irish business also faced competition from England. Cloth-making and food industries suffered greatly, and many people lost their jobs.
Even when business was booming during the 1700s, there were still many poor people in the city. There were food shortages causing food riots and there are records of social problems like violence and drunkenness among the poor. These problems continued and worsened, particularly during the Great Famine.
The Great Famine (1845-49) occurred when the potato crops were destroyed by blight. Starving people from the countryside flocked into the city looking for help.
Soup Depot in Cork
This engraving from the London Illustrated News shows a crowd at the central soup depot on Barrack Street in Cork during the famine. It was here that the poor, starving and weak would come in the hope of receiving help. It is believed that approximately 1300 poor persons were relieved here daily.
Views of the Famine: http://vassun.vassar.edu/Soup Depot in Cork
Views of the Famine: http://vassun.vassar.edu/
Views of the Famine: http://vassun.vassar.edu/
Soup Depot in Cork
This engraving from the London Illustrated News shows a crowd at the central soup depot on Barrack Street in Cork during the famine. It was here that the poor, starving and weak would come in the hope of receiving help. It is believed that approximately 1300 poor persons were relieved here daily.
Views of the Famine: http://vassun.vassar.edu/
The Departure
This is an engraving that was used in The Illustrated London News in July 1850. It shows the departure of one of the many famine ships setting sail for the United States and the British Colonies in 1850. Hundreds of people gathered at the docks to catch a glimpse of their loved ones as they set sail. For many it would be the last time that they saw their family and friends. Courtesy of the Views of the Famine website: http://vassun.vassar.edu/ ~sttaylor/FAMINE/
The Departure
The Departure
This is an engraving that was used in The Illustrated London News in July 1850. It shows the departure of one of the many famine ships setting sail for the United States and the British Colonies in 1850. Hundreds of people gathered at the docks to catch a glimpse of their loved ones as they set sail. For many it would be the last time that they saw their family and friends. Courtesy of the Views of the Famine website: http://vassun.vassar.edu/ ~sttaylor/FAMINE/
So many died of starvation and disease that the cemeteries couldn't cope, and a new cemetery was opened at Carr's Hill.
By 1850 the worst of the famine was over, but by then thousands of people from Cork had died and thousands more had emigrated to America to look for a better life.
The population of Ireland fell greatly in this period, both through emigration and death.
Do You Know?
Do you know any stories about the Famine in your locality? Visit your local library to find out more. Are you aware if any members of your family emigrated to America? Members of your family may be able to help you.
Statue of Father Mathew
This statue commemorates the life and work of Father Mathew. It is situated on St. Patrick's Street in Cork city's centre.
Copyright Cork City LibrariesStatue of Father Mathew
Copyright Cork City Libraries
Copyright Cork City Libraries
Statue of Father Mathew
This statue commemorates the life and work of Father Mathew. It is situated on St. Patrick's Street in Cork city's centre.
Copyright Cork City LibrariesA Famous Priest
Father Mathew was a famous priest who helped the poor in Cork in the nineteenth century. He set up a soup kitchen to help the starving. He also campaigned against alcoholic drinks.
Difficult Times
This is an illustration from the London News during the Irish Famine. It shows a group of starving people in Cork waiting to buy Indian Corn which the government was selling. Image courtesy of the website: http://vassun.vassar.edu/
Difficult Times
Difficult Times
This is an illustration from the London News during the Irish Famine. It shows a group of starving people in Cork waiting to buy Indian Corn which the government was selling. Image courtesy of the website: http://vassun.vassar.edu/
Activity
Have a look at the picture. What kind of clothes are the women wearing? Are they wearing:
a) light Summer dresses ?
b) Factory uniforms ?
c) Layers of poor clothes to keep them warm ?
Discuss this picture with others in your class.