The population falling within the Union at the 1831 census had been 19,887 with parishes ranging in size from Henllan (population 122) to Llandyssil (2,724). The average annual poor-rate expenditure for the period 1834-36 had been £ 5,780 or 5s.10d. per head. In June 1837, the Newcastle-in-Emlyn Guardians proposed the construction of a union workhouse to accommodate 150 inmates. On February 26th 1838, the Board unanimously agreed to accept an estimate of £2,750 from Richard Evans for building a workhouse according to the plans and specifications. The building was to be roofed by the 1st September 1839 and completed by Christmas 1839 provided he could start by the 10th day of May. On the 5th May 1838 the Guardians applied for a loan of £3,000 for the purchase of land and building the workhouse, to be paid back in 20 yearly installments of £150. On the 22nd June 1838, the land was purchased from the Rev Augustus Brigstocke for a sum not to exceed £315. The site, commonly called Pantyronnen in Aberarad, was about a mile from Newcastle-in-Emlyn on the north-east side of the Turnpike road to Bwlchydomen (Pantybwlch) in the Parish of Penboyr. The sum of £170 was paid to Mr Thomas Rowlands the architect, for drawings, plans and specifications of the Workhouse and also to superintend the building of the workhouse. Rowlands design was based on the model cruciform or square plan produced in 1835 for the Poor Law Commissioners. An entrance block at the west contained a board-room, offices etc. To the rear, four accommodation wings radiated from a central supervisory hub where staff could view all the areas of the workhouse. The areas between the the wings were divided up to form exercise yards for the different classes of inmate (male/female, infirm/able-bodied etc.). The workhouse location and layout are shown on the 1930s map below.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 23:12:38 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015