 Picture from www.workhouses.org.uk/Coleraine/ Last night, Sunday the 20th August 2017, this historic building in the Town of Coleraine was ablaze. It is known to all as the old workhouse building, later to become part of the town hospital. Since the construction and opening of the new hospital in 2001 the site has lain desolate. Planning permission was given for housing with this listed building being used as a focal entrance point. Sadly now, unless restored, if not beyond repair, this building, and part of the towns history will be gone forever. The following extracts have been put together from three main sources: - www.workhouses.org.uk/Coleraine/ www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni www.findmypast.co.uk A small insight into the early years of the workhouse here in Coleraine. The records on these websites are available to all. Our ancestors have left a paper trail.  Picture from www.news.causewaycoastcommunity.co.uk/local-news/4-fire-appliances-tasked-former-coleraine-hospital-site/ Coleraine was among 27 Union districts in, as is now known, Northern Ireland, which became part of the Irish Poor Law of 1838. Coleraine’s Poor Law Union was formally declared on the 28th November 1839.  ‘Newry Telegraph 05 December 1840’ www.findmypast.co.uk The new Coleraine Union Workhouse was erected on a seven-acre site at the East of Mountsandel Road in Coleraine and was declared fit for the reception of paupers on the 11th April 1842.  The main accommodation block had the Master’s quarters at the centre, with male and female wings to each side. At the rear, a range of single-storey utility rooms such as a bakehouse and a washhouse connected through to the infirmary and idiot’s ward via a central spine containing the Chapel and dining hall. http://www.workhouses.org.uk/Coleraine and www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG Regarding the granting of relief this was to be at the discretion of the guardians and consequently no person, however destitute, could be held to have a statutory right to relief. As for the implementation of the Act, the Poor Law Commissioners for England and Wales had overall control. Inspired by fears of a population explosion of the destitute, the government was determined to make relief as unattractive as possible lest the poor became dependent on hand-outs and bred recklessly. Thus, relief could only be given within a workhouse: conditions there were to be 'less eligible', that is less attractive, than the worst prevailing outside; inmates had to work; children were separated from their parents and husbands and wives could not share the same quarters. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG Extracts from the rough minute book of Coleraine workhouse. 10 October 1844-2 April 1846 17 October 1844 'The average cost of a pauper for the week was 1s. 5 405/711d.' 'The Master's estimate of Provisions ... required for the ensuing week was examined and orders were duly made for ...: 100 lb. bread 35 lb. mutton 2 lb. butters 15 lb. soup meat 2 lb. tea 2 ox heads 3,584 lb. potatoes 1,140 qts. buttermilk 82 qts. sweet milk' '... The cost of Provisions ... received during the week was £14. 11s. 11.5d.' Mr Courtney was asked to find the cost of a quantity of laurels and evergreens required for the grounds of the workhouse. 'A report from the officers with regard to the shoemaking department was laid before the Board and deemed to be most satisfactory. 'The punishment book was examined and orders made on the cases therein reported as follows: Biddy McGeown to be confined 4 hours in the refractory ward. Mary McFarlane to be confined 24 hours in the refractory ward. Margaret Ingram to be confined 6 hours in the refractory ward. Ann Wilson to be confined 24 hours in the refractory ward. Hanna(?) Johnson to be confined 24 hours in the refractory ward. [1] https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/1/A/1   The buildings were hardly finished when the island was swept by potato blight engulfing Ireland between 1845 and 1852. Over one million people died of starvation, fever and dysentery, including 20% of those who emigrated. About 200,000 of the ill, hungry and destitute were accepted into the workhouses-although those who possessed more than a quarter acre of land were refused entry. Since the workhouses had been designed to cope with only about half that number, the conditions in them were appalling and disease spread rapidly. Moreover, since relief was to be financed almost totally out of the Irish poor law rates-although, as with earlier schemes, the Treasury provided some help-many Poor Law Unions were soon bankrupt. Latterly, owing to the obvious inability of the workhouses themselves to cope with the demands made upon them, a system of 'outdoor relief ' was introduced, and in this way about 800,000 victims of the Famine were given relief in their own homes. Although the level of outdoor relief was somewhat unevenly spread, it gradually became more accepted later in the nineteenth century and the workhouses increasingly became the last refuges of orphans, the elderly, families of men who were imprisoned, unmarried pregnant girls and other destitute persons. For all its shortcomings, however, the Poor Law did introduce representative institutions into the Irish countryside. Until 1898, counties had been governed by Grand Juries made up of local landlords and property owners. From the outset, the Boards of Guardians were elected by the ratepayers and an opportunity was given to people of comparatively humble origin to participate in public life. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG During the famine in the mid-1840’s, lofts were raised over the boys’ dormitories to accommodate an additional 60 inmates. In 1847, a 40-bed fever hospital was erected south of the workhouse. The workhouse had its own burial ground at the North of the site. http://www.workhouses.org.uk/Coleraine/ Extracts from the rough minute book of Coleraine workhouse. 10 October 1844-2 April 1846 https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/1/A/1 20 February 1845 'Sarah Donnely a married woman with 3 children (the 2 eldest by a former husband) having applied for admission into the workhouse, and it having on enquiry, been ascertained that her present husband was now a patient in the County Infirmary from a venereal affection, communicated by her and that she herself was at present labouring under that disease, the Guardians on a due consideration of the case refused admission to the mother, but as it was apparent that the entire family were in a state of abject destitution, the Guardians consented to admit the two eldest children, not only on the ground just mentioned but also on account of the said children being the issue of a deceased parent.' 27 February 1845 'Ordered that John Donelly the step-father of the children admitted at last meeting of the Board and mentioned in the minutes of that day's proceedings, be noticed that so soon as he is discharged from the County Infirmary he will come forward and take said children out of the workhouse or otherwise enter therein himself as a pauper. 6 March 1845 ‘The clerk reported 'That he had addressed a notice to John Donely who was supposed to be in the County Infirmary respecting the children in the workhouse for whose support he was liable but that he had subsequently learned that no person of that name had within the last six months been admitted into that institution.'  29 January 1846 The average cost of a pauper for the week was 1/9 1/5 and 1/10 3/5 in the Infirmary. The Master's list of requirements for the week includes 2,260 lbs. oatmeal half pound coffee 2 lbs. tea. 'That James Diamond be summoned before the bench of magistrates at Antrim for quitting the workhouse on several occasions contrary to orders and for general refractory conduct.' 'Ordered that a cheque be drawn on treasurer for £16.14.0. to the Clerk for potatoes procured by order.' 'Resolved that the schoolmaster be allowed one day's leave.' Applicants admitted 7 22 January 1846 'Resolved that the Fever Hospital nurse be granted rations to correspondence with those allowed to the schoolmaster of the workhouse namely 3.5 lbs . bread 25 lbs. potatoes 2 oz. tea 12 ozs. sugar 2.5 lbs. oatmeal 3.5 quarts sweet milk and 5 lbs. meat weekly. 13 February 1846 The Master's requirements for the week included 20 tons. stones 15 tons gravel 1 cwt. black soap 1 web flannel 70 tin porringers to repair 12 spit pans 1 ton straw. 'Letter from Mr Latham Esquire M.D. Medical Superintendent of the Antrim Dispensary acknowledging the receipt of a communication from the Board of Guardians enclosing tickets for the admission of patients into the Fever Hospital and expressing his willingness to afford at all times his advice and assistance to the Board of Guardians in arresting the progress of fever so far as the extent of his district was concerned.' Resolution accepting the estimates of Mr McAdorey for construction of a piggery at £24.18.6., a coal shed at Fever Hospital at £4.14.0. and the making of a manure tank at 15/-. 'Resolved that the proposal of William (?) Shannon for the cleaning of the cess pools at the workhouse at £3.15.0. be approved of and accepted.' 19 March 1846 Special Business '... ordered that ten iron bedsteads (additional) be procured from the committee of the "Old Poor House Belfast" on terms as heretofore namely £1. each. 'Resolved that the adult paupers be allowed 3/4 lbs. bread for dinner instead of 1/2 lb. as at present; children to be allowed 3/6 lbs. instead of 1/4 lb. as at present. 'The sample of bread furnished this day having as usual been submitted to the inspection of the Board and the same being considered objectionable. 'Ordered that the contractor be notified of the fact and directed to be particular as to the quality of that article supplied in future. 'At the request of Eliza McCormick the only surviving parent of Edward McCormick it was ordered that the registry of the religious denomination of said child, now appearing Roman Catholic, be altered to that of the Established Church. 'The Master having complained of the refractory conduct of a number of the women during the past week. 'Ordered that in case of a recurrence of insubordination on the part of the women the Master be directed to employ the delinquent at stonebreaking (the amount of labour not to exceed 5 cwt. per day) and in default of the completion of the task allotted the party to be kept on half diet till the full complement of work shall have been performed. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/1/A/1  ‘Coleraine Chronicle 06 June 1846’ www.findmypast.co.uk  15 March 1847 ‘Letter from the Poor Law Commissioners 'referring to the weekly return to pauper inmates of the workhouse for the week ended 6th inst.; that there were 19 deaths and 70 paupers beyond the number for which the building was originally intended. The Commissioners desired to impress upon the Board of Guardians the great importance of not admitting to the workhouse a greater number of persons than can be lodged and maintained therein, consistently with a due regard to health and the Commissioners would recommend the Guardians to be guided in this respect by the advice of their medical officer ....' https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/5/A/4  11 October 1847 The master's list of requirements for the week includes: 75 loaves of bread 4 lbs. each, 2 cwt. coarse bread Provisional admissions confirmed 22, applicant admitted 23, applicants rejected 4. The Poor Law Commissioners instruct their solicitor to enforce their order fixing the chaplains' salaries. The Board ask that proceedings be deferred until after 1st November 'when it will be brought before a full Board of Guardians'. 'The master reported that Mary Loane (?) annoyed the other inmates by scolding and cursing; that Sampson McCabe had been caught two days in the carrots and turnips and that Mary McGaughey had annoyed two idiots in the dormitory; that he had kept the dinner from Mary Loane (?), and whipped Sampson McCabe. 'Resolved that Mary McGaughey and Sampson McCabe be discharged from the workhouse and the punishments of the master be approved of.' Provisional admissions confirmed 14, applicants admitted 12, applicants rejected 1. In reply to a letter of the Poor Law Commissioners the Guardians state 'that the paupers who had been discharged from the workhouse on the 17th inst. were both strong and healthy; Sampson McCabe was brought up in the workhouse and learned the trade of shoemaking; Mary McGaughey was admitted with one child, which has died and the Guardians [consider] she will be able to do for herself. Provisional admissions confirmed 6, applicants admitted 7, applicants rejected 1. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/5/A/4  25 November 1848 'The punishment book was produced by which it appeared that Margaret McGill Mary Darragh Mary Ann Moore Jane Campbell Margaret Finlay Margaret Devlin Sarah Duffy Nancy Wilson Mary Wilson George McKirgan John Millar John McMullen and Hugh Dempsy had been refractory during the week in consequence of the reduction of the dietary. 'The following punishment were ordered with the sanction of the Medical Officer: That each of the females be confined 6 hours per day for four successive days in the refractory ward and that on those days bread and water be allowed for dinner, also that those who were removed from the penitentary on condition of good conduct be sent back thereto as soon as their punishment be over. 'That John Millar and George McKirgan be confined each 6 hours per day for four successive days in the refractory ward, bread and water to be allowed them for dinner those days and that John McMullan and H. Dempsey who are infirm be punished by the alteration of the dietary for the number of days specified for the others. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/10/A/6 The George McKirgan mentioned in the above extract is most likely an ancestor of my own although I do not have absolute proof yet. He was known to be from the area of Liswatty, Ballyrashane were I have narrowed down a direct ancestor, Roger McKirgan born circa 1816. George McKirgan appears to hail from Ballyrashane, Coleraine. Born circa 1800. The evidence begins with the birth of George and Martha Browns children. Five children are found in St. Patricks Church of Ireland baptism records sourced via ‘Causeway Coast and Glens Family History Society’ website. This website contains transcriptions of many of the graveyards in the Causeway Coast and Glens area which can be viewed by all. Transcribed Church records are available to view by becoming a member. http://colerainefhs.org.uk Name Date of Birth Date of Baptism Address Father Occupation Mother Church Elizabeth McKirgan 4th Feb 1841 31st Oct 1847 Liswatty Workhouse George McKirgan - Martha St Patrick’s, Coleraine Church of Ireland Mary McKirgan 15th April 1835 31 Oct 1847 Liswatty Workhouse George McKirgan - Martha St Patrick’s, Coleraine Church of Ireland Matty McKirgan 5th April 1826 20th March 1827 Lisnarag George McKirgan Labourer Matty Brown St Patrick’s, Coleraine Church of Ireland Rose Ann McKirgan 16th Jan 1824 6th April 1824 Lisnarag Parish Ballyrashane George McKirgan Weaver Martha Brown St Patrick’s, Coleraine Church of Ireland Samuel McKirgan 31st Oct 1821 29th Jan 1822 Lisnarag George McKirgan Weaver Martha Browne St Patrick’s, Coleraine Church of Ireland 26 May 1849 'The following is a list of the names ages etc of the parties approved of by the Poor Law Commissioners to be sent out from this workhouse to Canada by the ship Riverdale.’ 41 George McKirgan 48 Knockantern 6 10 - 42 Mary McKirgan 13 Knockantern 4 10 - 43 Sarah McKirgan 11 Knockantern 4 10 - 44 Eliza McKirgan 8 Knockantern 4 10 - 45 Rose A. McKirgan 22 Knockantern 6 10 – https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/10/A/7   17 September 1850 'The master having requested to know from the Board if potatoes would be given to the inmates it was ordered that for the present the paupers receive potatoes and milk 2 days bread and soup 2 days and stirabout and milk 3 days in each week for dinner.' 12 November 1850 Report from Dr White inspector of lunatic asylums following his visit to the workhouse. 'I visited and inspected this workhouse and was much pleased with its appearance and regularity. It is kept in the nicest order, every apartment in the establishment was in the utmost state of cleanliness; the idiot wards were uncommonly clean and well ventilated, so were the school-rooms. 'The children appeared very clean, well clad and comfortable. Upon the whole, I look upon this institution as reflecting the highest credit upon the Board and officers. 'I was particularly struck with the circumstance detailed to me by the chairman Mr Paton and the master that they were able to apprentice out both the grown boys and girls, which has been the means of relieving the house of that over pressure from the juvenile classes which exists in other houses. 'The school department appears to be well conducted. The idiot classes are humanely and judiciously treated.' https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/10/A/7  21 October 1851 'The master's journal was submitted to the Board and read as follows: "On visiting the house today at 8.30 a.m. I found the girls from the school-room working and mixing with the adult women. This is not only unfavourable to them in a moral point of view but is also opposed to the workhouse rules which the master is bound to obey. I have the fullest brief in the excuse he makes for this, namely the want of able bodied females to clean the house, and I trust the Guardians will not be so strict on their admissions as to refuse able bodied females when their destitution is doubtful on the ground of personal character. 'There are two infants under one year of age without their mothers; the proper care of these seriously adds to the master's difficulties, and ? is left suited for the health of an infant than the ? it is in fact almost certain death. See the experience of ? hospitals. 'These deserted children should be refused admission and supported by the Grand Jury Presentment until proper age". [Signed] E. Senior 16th October 1851. 16 December 1851 'Ordered that the master be directed to give the children in the school-rooms on Christmas Day one penny currant cake each in addition to the usual daily allowance.' https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/10/A/7  ‘Belfast Mercury 17 January 1852’ www.findmypast.co.uk 13 July 1852 Report of inspection by the visiting committee William Jenkinson, Thomas Coyne and John Orr. 'We have this day inspected the grounds attached to the workhouse and found them in a superior state of cultivation. The neatness and cleanliness observable everywhere show that the master must have bestowed much care and attention on their management and requires from us the expression of our highest approbation. We also examined the house itself and the hospitals and were exceedingly gratified at the admirable condition in which we found every part of the institution. It affords us great pleasure to be able to report so favourable to the Board as to the general management and superintendence of Mr Archer.' https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/10/A/7 The workhouse site later became Coleraine Hospital and most of the workhouse buildings were demolished. The entrance block survived, together with the fever hospital which was used as a nurse’s home. www.workhouses.org.uk/Coleraine/  Londonderry Sentinel 15 January 1952 www.findmypast.co.uk  See my previous blog for the history of the poorhouse graveyard located just off the Ballycastle Road, in use from 1858-1947.
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Lucy LavertyA keen amateur genealogist Archives
June 2018
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