Dunmanway workhouse Board of Guardians (BG83)

Dunmanway Board of Guardians

IE CCCA/BG/83

Welply ‘was in concert with certain individuals ... to promote their views in the formation of this board’. Welply’s explanations found ‘most satisfactory’.

21 Sep 1841 Resolved, ‘agreeably to the order of the commissioners’, to take up the workhouse from the contractor. [PLC order declaring the workhouse fit to receive paupers issued 16 Sep 1841 (www.workhouses.org.uk)]

2 Oct 1841Resolved, to report ‘the bad and unfinished state of the workhouse and yards’. [Paupers admitted from this date (www.workhouses.org.uk)]

16 Oct 1841 Resolved, that an elderly married couple, paupers, be allowed lodge together.

27 Nov 1841 Resolved, that the stated dietary be adopted, it being borne in mind ‘that the quantity and quality supplied to the paupers shall not be superior to that partaken of by the independent labourers of the district and their families ’. 2 Apr 1842 Resolved, that the guardians act as parish wardens in their own electoral divisions, ‘and to be most particular in their enquiries into the destitution of the paupers admitted by them’. Resolved, that proceedings be taken against two men for deserting their wives and children. 9 Apr 1842 Finance Committee report on the contractor’s bill for extra work on the workhouse. The board adopt the report and draw PLC’s attention ‘to the very negligent and extra ordinary conduct of their officer, Mr Wilkinson’. Resolution recommending that inmates be allowed to go out to their places of worship on Sunday ‘in consequence of the non -acceptance of the situation of chaplain by the respective clergymen’. 5 Nov 1842 Report by James Gillman, guardian, on an inspection of the workhouse by a Poor Law Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner, and the architect, in which it was found to be in a ‘shameful state’, despite the master having been made aware of the forthcoming inspection. The board severely reprimands the master and matron. 19 Nov 1842 Resolution explaining to the PLC why the board declines to execute a bond for £300 to meet additional workhouse costs. Reference is made to ‘the greatest dissatisfaction’ expressed by ratepayers in the adjoining unions of Bandon and Skibbereen ‘accompanied by overt acts of violence to resist the payment of the rate. And we should very much regret that any circumstance should arise to produce a similar feeling in this union’.

25 Feb 1843 School master and school mistress appointed.

10 Jun 1843 Memorial to the PLC regarding the ‘pecuniary grievance’ the union is labouring under, owing to its small size in comparison to its neighbours. A table showing the comparative size and valuation of Bandon, Skibbereen, and Macroom unions is given, and ‘an equitable extension’ of the union is sought. [See also 3 Jun]

Cork City and County Archives 2011

Page 7 of 28

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