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Spandau. |
There
was a workhouse in Spandau, located in Carlanstown about 4 miles from Kells.
It was a mansion which was rented as an auxiliary workhouse.
This was used when Kells workhouse could hold no more. In the auxiliary workhouses conditions were worse than normal
workhouses. There were no beds and
the clothing was passed from the dead to the living mostly without washing!
Spandau got its name from a
famous prison fortress in Germany which it resembled in design, but the name
took on a sinister appropriateness. I
have come across Spandau spelt ending in both u and w.
The basement in Spandau was overrun with rats.
Extracts
from minute books from Kells union workhouse.
Kilbeg belonged to the Kells union.
20
November 1847:
The
guardians of the Kilbeg electorial division have with regret to report to the
board that the able-bodied men of that division have, without success applied to
the ratepayers to give employment and thereby render outdoor relief
unnecessary, now that the workhouse is full and no room for anymore
admissions
The
story of Mary Smith:
26
February 1848;
The
clerk read the letter of the medical officer of the Spandau fever hospital
stating that Mary Smith who is now wards maid in the hospital will allow
eighteen pence per week (her wages) for the support of her two son in the
workhouse he would find it difficult to provide so diligent and attentive a
person should the board insist on her coming to live with her children in the
work house. The board have allowed
her to remain in the hospital and take her wages.
4th
March, 1848
The
clerk read the letter of the poor law comrs. In reference to the relief proposed
to be given to the children of Mary Smith, wardsmaid of the fever hospital,
Spandau. She remaining out of
the house, which arrangement the comrs. State
to be highly objectable. The
guardians have in consequence of the letter of the commissioners
directed that Mary smith should come into the house or else the children
to be discharged from the house.
8th
July 1848
Resolved
-from the abandonment of fever in the country and there being enough room in the
Kells fever hospital, that spanduis now unnesscery and steps should be taken to
discontinue it.