Survey Data
Reg No
41310002
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical, Social
Original Use
Workhouse
In Use As
Community centre
Date
1840 - 1855
Coordinates
283685, 304002
Date Recorded
05/11/2011
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
H-plan former workhouse complex, dated 1841, possibly to plan by George Wilkinson, now occupied by Farney Community Development Group. Comprising workhouse, workhouse master's house, attached orphanage and ancillary buildings. Thirteen-bay two-storey main block, with projecting two-bay three-storey double gable-fronted bays. Abutting rectangular-plan building to rear, incorporating derelict store. Detached five-bay two-storey workhouse master's house to south of workhouse with slightly-advanced gable-fronted end bays, facade continued to west by six-bay two-storey orphanage and school annex, built 1851, west end bay being canted forward and having gablet over, and facade ending with slightly projecting gabled end of three-storey block set at right angle. Latter block has multiple-bay side elevation, with gablet over middle bay. Main block has belvedere towards north end, with pyramidal corrugated-asbestos roof and dressed limestone walls. Modern warehouse situated between main block and former master's house. Pitched slate roofs, and refurbished cast-iron rainwater goods, with recent decorative bargeboards to front gables. Random coursed squared limestone walls with plinths and tooled quoins, with moulded string course between floors of front block. Cast-iron single, double and triple-light diamond-paned windows set in timber frames, windows to master's house having chamfered surrounds, having stone sills and tooled stone surrounds, with brick-surrounds to openings of orphanage wing. Louvered shouldered opening to apex of highest front gable, and pointed-arch louvered vents to apexes of double gables of main block. Square-headed door openings now mostly having replacement doors. Tudor-arch doorway to master's house, set in chamfered surround, with double-leaf timber panelled door and flanked by lower windows, all under continuous hood-moulding, and with date 1841 over central doorway. Interior has timber queen-post truss roof. Set within its own grounds.
Appraisal
This workhouse complex serves as a reminder of the work of the Poor Law Unions in housing and caring for the destitute of Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century. The workhouses were built throughout Ireland to similar plans but on different scales to the designs of George Wilkinson following the passing of the Poor Relief (Ireland) Act in 1838. This complex has a considerable survival of its structures and details, enhancing the architectural heritage value of the building. The good quality of the varied stone masonry styles, the use of gables and gablets, and the varied window and door openings, adds interest and texture to the buildings. Currently being restored, the complex has renewed meaning for the people of County Monaghan.