Survey Data
Reg No
20830010
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical, Social
Previous Name
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
Original Use
Workhouse
In Use As
Hospital/infirmary
Date
1835 - 1845
Coordinates
188219, 73942
Date Recorded
30/09/2007
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached fourteen-bay two-storey with dormer attic former workhouse, built c. 1840. Comprising paired single-bay three-storey gabled end-bays to north and south elevations and recent extension to front (west) elevation. Pitched artificial slate roofs. Dressed limestone walls with plinth course. Square-headed openings having replacement uPVC windows and limestone sills. Square-headed openings with replacement uPVC doors.
Appraisal
This workhouse serves as a physical reminder of the work of the Poor Law Unions in housing and caring for the impoverished of Ireland in the nineteenth century. Following the Poor Relief (Ireland) Act in 1838, many workhouses, including this one, were built to the designs of the Poor Law Commission architect, George Wilkinson. Set on a seven acre site donated by Viscount Midleton, it was designed to accommodate eight hundred. It was built quickly in 1840-41 at a cost of £6,853 plus £1,347 for fittings.