Wretched and Unsanitary - Working Class Housing in Dungarvan
1800 - 1970
1800 - 1970
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| William Fraher |
A Talk by William Fraher
This is the first detailed research to be undertaken on the type of houses in which the poorer citizens of Dungarvan lived from the 19th to the 20th century. Descriptions of Dungarvan by 18th and 19th century travel writers comment on the amount of 'cabins' to be seen all around the town especially on the roads and streets leading out from the centre. These had thatched roofs and stone or mud walls with one, or at the most, two rooms. The shocking aspect is the number of people who occupied these tiny spaces - sometimes eight to twelve people. Houses were built by the Marquis of Waterford and the Duke of Devonshire in the1820s as part of the activities surrounding the 1826 election. These houses were solidly built and appear to have had slate roofs but were still being lived in up until the 1950s and 1960s when they had become totally unsuitable. Sometimes the slum dwellings were owned by members of councils which meant that nothing happened apart from issuing an order to the landlord to the repair the property. Willie will also talk about the new housing developments initiated by the council -Loughmore, Cathal Brugha Place, Dr Caseyville and Murphy Place. These were a vast improvement on the slum dwellings but they were not without controversy. Issues with sewage, high rents, faulty doors and windows, and leaks were reported in the local papers. The Murphy Place development was one of the first in Ireland to employ direct labour.
This is the first detailed research to be undertaken on the type of houses in which the poorer citizens of Dungarvan lived from the 19th to the 20th century. Descriptions of Dungarvan by 18th and 19th century travel writers comment on the amount of 'cabins' to be seen all around the town especially on the roads and streets leading out from the centre. These had thatched roofs and stone or mud walls with one, or at the most, two rooms. The shocking aspect is the number of people who occupied these tiny spaces - sometimes eight to twelve people. Houses were built by the Marquis of Waterford and the Duke of Devonshire in the1820s as part of the activities surrounding the 1826 election. These houses were solidly built and appear to have had slate roofs but were still being lived in up until the 1950s and 1960s when they had become totally unsuitable. Sometimes the slum dwellings were owned by members of councils which meant that nothing happened apart from issuing an order to the landlord to the repair the property. Willie will also talk about the new housing developments initiated by the council -Loughmore, Cathal Brugha Place, Dr Caseyville and Murphy Place. These were a vast improvement on the slum dwellings but they were not without controversy. Issues with sewage, high rents, faulty doors and windows, and leaks were reported in the local papers. The Murphy Place development was one of the first in Ireland to employ direct labour.
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| Tobin brothers at Shandon Street, Dungarvan ( Note the half door). |
William Fraher is by
now recognised as the foremost historian in Dungarvan. His contribution to the
history of the town and surrounding area is unequalled. This talk takes place
at the wonderful Dungarvan Sailing Club venue on the quay, a location for which we
are very grateful.
To hear more - come along, take a seat and enjoy a drink, as you listen to this
illustrated talk on Wed 30th October at 8p.m. There will be a €5
entrance fee, and as usual, all are welcome.
Venue: Dungarvan Sailing Club, Davitt's Quay, Dungarvan.
Date: Wednesday 30th October 2019.
Time: 8 p.m.
Admission: €5