Survey Data
Reg No
15004041
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Previous Name
Athlone Union Workhouse
Original Use
Workhouse
Historical Use
Fire station
In Use As
Hall
Date
1840 - 1845
Coordinates
203938, 241771
Date Recorded
08/09/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached thirteen-bay two-storey former workhouse, built c.1841, with advanced two-bay three-storey end pavilions creating H-shaped plan. Western end altered to accommodate fire station, c.1975. Now used as youth centre. Pitched natural slate roofs with rendered chimneystacks, sections of cast-iron rainwater goods and with decorative bargeboards. Constructed of coursed rubble limestone with flush cut stone quoins to corners. Square-headed window openings with yellow brick surrounds, cut stone sills and replacement windows. Square-headed doorcases with brick surrounds. Road-fronted to rear of administration block (15004036).
Appraisal
This building was originally part of the Athlone Union Workhouse complex and was designed by George Wilkinson (1814-90) according to the standard workhouse plan and detail. It was designed to accommodate 900 people, cost £650 and closed as a workhouse in 1921. It is of historical importance for its associations with Poor Law Unions and, particularly, with the Great Famine (1845-c.50). The building itself is of considerable design merit and the survival of its planned form and much of its original fabric enhances the architectural significance of the complex.