Description
The workhouse was an institution that operated in Ireland for a period of some 80 years from the early 1840's to the early 1920's. It was described as the most feared and hated institution in Ireland. There were 163 workhouses in total. If people could not support themselves, they could go to a workhouse. Here they would work in return for food and shelter.
The fundamental rule of the workhouse was that the whole family had to enter together. This was a way for the landlords to clear the land of tenants who could not pay rent. Pre-famine, 1% of the population was housed in workhouses. During the famine, 50% of the Irish population relied on workhouses. Life in the workhouse was meant to be harsh so as not to encourage people to stay. One of the cruellest aspects of the workhouse was that family members were split into separate quarters. Children aged two or less could stay with their mothers. Sometimes, family members never saw each other again.
This is a page from the minute book of a workhouse located in Westport, Co Mayo during the height of the famine in 1848. Interesting information has been noted such as the age, sex, whether people were considered able-bodied, etc.
Dimensions: 16” X 10” approx.