Teachers' Residences & External Evidence

Teacher's house from the 19th Century.

The design of a teacher's house from the 19th Century which is now a family home in Dawros, Kenmare, Co. Kerry.

Photo taken by Geraldine O' Connor 2006.

Teacher's house from the 19th Century.
Photo taken by Geraldine O' Connor 2006.

Teacher's house from the 19th Century.

The design of a teacher's house from the 19th Century which is now a family home in Dawros, Kenmare, Co. Kerry.

Photo taken by Geraldine O' Connor 2006.

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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.

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.)

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?