Cork workhouse Board of Guardians (BG69)

Page 4 of 47

Overall responsibility within the union rested with the Board of Guardians, most of whom were elected, and some of whom were ex-officio members appointed usually from amongst local justices of the peace /magistrates. The electors were owners and occupiers of property liable to pay the poor rate. The boards of guardians were vested with wide statutory powers and were under the direction and control of the Poor Law Commissioners and from 1872 of the Local Government Board.

The boards of guardians were financially maintained by a poor rate levied on occupiers of property in the union district, and tenants could deduct half of the rates from their rents.

Various Guardian sub-committees were from time to time appointed to monitor different aspects of the organisation of the Cork Union Workhouse, for example, visiting/house, admissions, administration, education, and finance. In the first years of the poor law system, in general no relief was provided outside the workhouses, however from 1847, limited outdoor relief was provided in certain cases. Later, various other responsibilities were allocated to the Guardians in the areas of public health, sanitation, and housing. For example, under the Medical Charities Act 1851, Boards of Guardians took over responsibility for dispensaries from the Grand Juries, and the unions were divided into dispensary districts for which medical officers were appointed. In 1856 the Guardians became the burial ground board for the rural parts of the union. In 1863, the unions were used as registration areas for the registration of births and deaths. Under the Sanitary Act 1866, the Guardians became ‘sewer and nuisance ’ authorities, and under the 1874 and 1878 Public Health Acts, in general, as well as being the poor relief authorities, the Guardians were designated rural sanitary authorities, dealing with various matters such as water and sewerage schemes, scavenging, building control, lodging houses, markets, slaughter houses, infectious diseases and burial grounds. Under the Labourers Act 1883, the building of rural cottages was also allocated to the guardians. The poor law system was abolished in 1925 with the formation of the county boards of health and public assistance. During the War of Independence, the Cork Board of Guardians declared allegiance to Dáil Éireann. In November 1920 Vice Guardians (effectively paid commissioners) were appointed to manage the workhouse, on behalf of the Board of Guardians.

In common with many former workhouses, the Cork Union Workhouse buildings were taken over for use as a home and hospital (St.Finbarr's).

Content & Structure

Scope & Content The archives of the Cork Board of Guardians are extensive, and include a large numbers of minute books, that record the proceedings of the Board ’s meetings, 1841 - 1924. Many subjects are recorded in the minute books, such as the ongoing struggle to both fund and manage the workhouse and related

Page | 4