1

THE INFIRMARY, ROSCOMMON

By Vincent Delany

Letitia Walcott (nee Caulfield)

Donamon Castle in County Roscommon means Dun Lomghuin, or the fortress of Lomghuin.

The earliest building on this site dates back to 1154 and was referred to in the Annals of the

Four Masters, and has been referred to as the seat of the O'Finaghtys, and was later on passed

on to the Burkes. Donamon

Castle was bought by the King

family in 1656.

The Donamon estate was held

under a lease for 500 years

from John King, Lord

Kingston to Thomas Caulfeild,

dated 1 May 1688. The estate

proprietor in the late 18th

century was Colonel John

Caulfeild of Dunamon, who

was a younger son of the

Reverend Charles Caulfeild,

and a grandson of William Caulfeild 2nd Viscount Charlemont. On 21 Mar 1912 over 10,800

acres in county Roscommon belonging to A. St George Caulfield were vested in the Congested

Districts' Board.

Figure 1. Dunamon Castle home of Letitia Caulfield.

2

Skeffington Gibbon note that: ’The late Chief Justice Caulfield died unmarried after having

accumulated a large fortune by his economy and profession.’ It was in Dunamon Castle that St

George Caulfield (1697-1778) and his sister Laetitia Caulfield grew up in the early 18th

century.

The Gentleman’s Magazine Vol 84 on Nov 24th

reported in relation between the Caulfield

siblings:

She (Letitia) was the only surviving sister of the Right Hon. St. George Caulfield

formerly chief Justice of the Kings Bench, and as your information very justly states, a

very noted miser. In respect to the disposal of his property, it was not a fact that he

bequeathed the whole of it ‘To her (i.e. Letitia), dying without legitimate children (i.e.

St.George).’ In his Will, he bequeathed the whole of his property, real and personal,

funded and landed, to be equally divided between his brother the late Rev. Dr.

Caulfield and his sister Mrs. Walcot, as tenants to each dividend for life. On the demise

of either party, the whole of it, with the same restrictions, to be enjoyed by the survivor,

and upon the death of both parties etc.…………….Mrs Walcot has been in possession of

it for the last 16 years……………………….. The fortune therefore was not at Mrs Walcot’s

disposal………The late Chief Justice was a most sordid character, yet Mrs. Walcot never

wanted a guinea in his lifetime, as you mentioned in your Obituary, he paying her every

attention that such a man was capable of shewing to a relation. Besides her own fortune

was a very decent one, and fully suited for every necessary expenditure. A miser she was

not, but in the disposal of what she was pleased to part with, whimsical to a degree of

absurdity, for she seldom gave but to those who did not want her assistance, and never

to any person that petitioned for relief, however nearly allied to her. She had one or

two relatives much nearer connected to her by the ties of consanguity than Lord

Charlemont or his son (to whom she left an immense property), whom she let suffer

the severest pangs of distress without ever alleviating their misfortunes, one of whom in

particular, a widow with a large family, who is also very nearly allied to the noble Earl

abovementioned, was permitted to struggle for many years, in the most pitiful situation,

till a worthy son by his own merit, was enabled to raise her above the contemptuous

frown of her enobled and wealthy relations…….. .

Signed ‘C.’

Foundation of Roscommon’s New Infirmary

The Old Infirmary, now the Roscommon County Library in Roscommon town, was built in

1783 from an endowment from Mrs Laetitia Walcott [nee Caulfield] of York Street, Dublin. In

1783, Mrs Laetitia Walcott surprised the Roscommon Infirmary Governors with her

contribution, resulting in this notice being inserted in The Dublin Evening Post, the newspaper

appointed for such communications to the Board of Management.

3

Figure 2. Advertisement in Dublin Evening Post, 7 January 1783.

This Dublin Evening Post advertisement of 7 January 1783 read as follows:

‘Roscommon infirmary, Jan 1 1783, the Governors are requested to meet on Saturday

11th

Inst. concerning a recent and ample donation given by Mrs. Walcot, to build an

infirmary for this County.

N.B. A steward will be elected on that day in the room of the late one deceased.’

It would appear that the existing steward or administrator of the infirmary located on Abbey

Street had died, and thus, the Governors were responsible to appoint a new administrator.

The speed with which the stone infirmary was erected was remarkable. The finances were in

place in January 1783, and two and a half years later, in October 1785 the building was ready to

be opened for public use.

4

Figure 3. An impression the original Infirmary of 1785 with two chimneys to keep the wards

heated.

The infirmary was built as a detached Georgian house, three storeys high with steps up to the

front door. (see Fig 3.) The basement was concealed below ground. Of the three floors the

upper floor had a lower ceiling height than the others. The house was on a large site in

Abbeytown at the edge of Roscommon town close to the Barracks. A garden was located

behind the main building, where vegetables and herbs could be grown to save money and to

feed the patients. A substantial wall hid the building from public gaze, probably with a large gate

opposite the front door. A significant feature of the building is that it was not located at a street

corner, and the street was much narrower in the 1780s.

5

Figure 4. Dublin Evening Post, 22 October 1785, Opening day for the new Infirmary.

Two years after the receipt of Mrs. Walcot’s donation, The Dublin Evening Post reported:

‘Roscommon infirmary, Oct 17th

1785

A number of ladies and gentlemen this day assembled, when a considerable

subscription was made at a public breakfast, on the opening of the new house for the

benefit of the infirmary.

It appears to the satisfaction of every one present, that the House is correctly finished

and well adapted to the reception of patients, and every purpose of a County Infirmary.

The acknowledgements of the Public are due to the Subscribers, who have set on foot

so humane charitable an institution, and in a more particular manner to Mrs Walcot,

for a most splendid benefaction, at whose sole expense this House was erected.

It is to be hoped that so generous an example will have its due effect, and as the new

house is upon a much larger scale than the old one, and equal to the reception of a

greater number of patients, that Gentlemen and Ladies who have not yet contributed,

6

will be induced to become future subscribers. A Board being this day held, William

Talbot Esq. in the chair, it appears on an accurate inspection of the books, that in the

course of the last ten years, five hundred and fifty one interns were fed, lodged and

provided with medicines and eight thousand three hundred and forty-eight externs

relieved by medicines, and the directions of Surgeon Charters to whom for his care and

attention the public are much indebted.’

Mrs Walcott’s generous contribution was recognised in an engraved stone plaque erected on

the front wall over the main door of the new building. (It is now located in the front porch.)

Figure 5. This infirmary, was built for the poor of this County, at the sole expence of, Mrs Walcott, sister of the late Lord Chief Justice Caulfield, of Donamon, 1783.

Letitia Walcott’s contribution was sufficient to build a new infirmary house, but was it sufficient

to fund the management of the facility into the future? It cost a lot of money to keep the fires

alight, to keep the patients fed and watered, to pay for

doctors, nurses, apothecaries, hairdressers, chimney

sweeps, administrators etc. Not only did she make an

initial contribution but she paid £92 6s. 2d. per year,

the proceeds from her lands at Rockwood, Co.

Galway.

In order to boost the finance of the Infirmary the

Board of Governors decided to hold a ball on Figure 6. Rockwood, Co. Galway.

7

Thursday 29th

September 1785 to raise funds for the Infirmary. Where was the ball held? At

that time the courthouse probably did not have a suitable room. There was no decent hotel in

the town with a ballroom. So, it may have been held in a country house not far from the town.

Since Thomas Mitchell and Edward Wells signed the public advertisement, it is likely that thye

ball was at Castlestrange. Tickets were not cheap with gentlemen paying 11s. 41/2d. and ladies

paying 5s. 5 d.

The Dublin Evening Post reported on 3 Feb 1789.

Figure 7. Extract from Dublin Evening Post, 3 February 1789.

‘ROSCOMMON INFIRMARY

8

Oct the 31st

1788

At a meeting of the Governors of the said infirmary, Thomas Mitchell Esq. in the

Chair, the following resolutions were agreed to:

Resolved that the state of said Infirmary, with the names of the subscribers, be annually

published three times in the Dublin Evening Post and Dublin Chronicle, and also put

up in the Grand Jury Room at each Assizes.

Annual subscribers:

Mrs Walcot, at whose sole expense the said Infirmary was built: £50 0s. 0d.

Earl of Kingston: £17 1s 3d. John Hunt Esq: £3 8s 3d. Edward Mills Esq: £3 8s. 3d.

The fund of the original £73 17s. 9d. (ie sum of the above figures).

Subscribers or Governors for life produces annually: £20 0s 0d.

The County Presentment: £100 0s. 0d.

The Government Bounty: £100 0s. 0d.

Subtotal £293 17s 9d.

Annual expenditure for the support of the Infirmary for Drugs, Diet and all Necessities,

about: £210 0s. 0d.

For Surgeon and Apothacary: £100 0s. 0d.

Governors for Life: Duke of Leinster (Carton & Leinster House), Earl of Montrath,

Lord Bishop of Elphin, Henry Sandford Esq Sen., Thomas O’Connor Esq, Thomas

Mitchell Esq, A. French Esq. (Croydon), John Mitchell Esq, Rev. John Hickie, William

Irwin Esq, Gilbert Ormsby Esq, Thomas Lloyd Esq, James Davis Esq, Archdeacon

Caulfield of Castle Coot.

As so many Gentlemen in the County are yet to subscribe, there is a pleasing prospect

that the Benefits of this laudable institution will be greatly extended, when they are

pleased to contribute to so useful a Charity.

Patients entertained, lodged and attended for one year from 9th

October 1787 to 9th

October 1788: 57.

Externs received advice and medicines in said year: 1124

Total: 1181.

Was there any evidence to show that Earl of Essex, landlord of the town had made any

appropriate contribution to the building and running of the infirmary? At the time of the

building of the Infirmary, the joint landlords of the town were Rt. Hon. George Capel

Coningesby, 5th Earl of Essex (1757-1839), Lord Henry Fitzgerald (1761-1829) and Hon.

Charlotte Boyle Walsingham (1769-1831). Lord Henry Fitzgerald was the fourth son of

James Fitzgerald the 1st Duke of Leinster, and Hon. Charlotte Boyle Walsingham was his

9

wife. One of the lifelong Governors was Lord William Robert Fitzgerald, 2nd Duke of

Leinster, a brother of Lord Henry Fitzgerald. We must assume that William Robert Fitzgerald

(a very wealthy man in his own right) was representing his brother in the management of the

Infirmary..

The Infirmary Governors met with a surprise seven years later in 1792 when Mr. George

Charters, the dedicated Infirmary surgeon resigned after serving in both the old and new

infirmaries for sixteen years. We don’t know the circumstances which lead to his decision to

retire, but it appears that he had decided to remain in residence in Roscommon until the

Governors were to find and appoint a suitable replacement.

.

Figure 8. Extract from Dublin Evening Post 19 January 1792.

‘Roscommon Infirmary. Mr George Charters the present Surgeon, (thankful to the

governors for their friendly patronage under which he had the honour of acting for

upwards of sixteen years) is, from some unavoidable circumstances, under the necessity

of resigning his employment, but will continue to attend till they shall think proper to

elect one in huis room. George Charters.

Roscommon Jan 8th

1792. In consequence of the above the governors are requested to

meet in the said infirmary on Saturday the 4th

of February next, at the hour of twelve

o’clock, in order to elect a surgeon for the said infirmary in the room of Mr. George

Charters, resigned.

Edward Mills, Treasurer, Roscommon, Jan 9th

1791.‘

10

Isaac Weld in his Statistical survey of County Roscommon: Statistical survey of County

Roscommon appears to have been very impressed with the work being done by Dr Lysaght the

Roscommon Infirmary surgeon, and wrote extensively about it:

‘The institution is supported by an annual grant of the County at large; an annuity of

£92 6s. 2d. bequeathed by the late Mrs. Walcot, charged on the lands at Rockwood, in

the county of Galway; and annual subscriptions.’

Isaac Weld describes the operation of the infirmary as follows:

It is on same street as the courthouse.

It is a plain building of brick, symmetrical and having a pleasing front.

Originally it was the central house and wings were subsequently added.

Over the hall door is a slab with an inscription. (see Fig. 5).

The Surgeon Dr. Lysaght has doubled throughput of patients.

Cleanliness and airiness of the apartments are impressive.

General attention paid by the nurses is excellent.

There are now 50 beds in place of the previous 25.

6 beds have been reserved for emergencies.

Fevers not admitted in the Infirmary.

A separate fever hospital is located in a wing opposite the stables.

Bleeding as a remedy for an ailment is rarely found necessary.

Dyspepsia and dropsy are prevalent due to the local diet.

Scrofula, scurvy and Cutaneous diseases common.

An external dispensary is located in an apartment in the porter’s lodge.

Plastic surgery is a specialisation of Dr Lysaght.

11

Figure 9. Extract from Isaac Weld's Topographical Dictionary for Co. Roscommon, 1832.

Weld lists the following as Life Governors: The Rt. Hon. Lord Harland (Strokestown), Rev.

Thomas Blakeney (C. of I. clergyman), Christopher Davys (agent for Earl of Essex), Thomas

Mitchell (Castlestrange), Robert Goff (Carrowroe Park), Owen Lloyd (Rockville), Edmond

Kelly, the Lord Bishop of Elphin (C. of I., Lord Viscont Lorton (Rockingham), John Carson

(Equitable Loan Society), Sir Charles Coote (Mountrath), The Hon Robt King (Rockingham),

St George Caulfield Esq (possibly deceased by 1832), Robert Henry French (Innfield and

Kiltullagh), George Digby Esq. (Drumdaff), the Rt Hon. Lord Crofton (Mote), Arthur French

Esq MP (Frenchpark), Thomas Conry (Cloonahee), The Rt.Hon. Lord Mount Sandford

(Castlerea House), Jerrard E. Strickland Esq. (agent to Dillons of Loughglynn).

The annual Governors are: Lady Charlotte Crofton (Mote), Rt Hon. Lord Ashtown

(Woodlawn House), William Trench (Carrowbane), The Rt. Hon. Lord Clonbrock

(Clonbrock), Col. Tenison (Castle Tenison), Oliver Grace (Mantua), The O’Conor Don

(Clonalis), Col Lloyd (Croghan or Rockville), Jeffry French Esq, Hugh Barton Esq, William

Edwards Esq, the Rev. Henry Hunt, William Talbot Esq. (Mount Talbot), Messrs. Boileaus

and George, Edward Mapother Esq (Kilteevan House), the Rev. Armstrong Kelly, the Rev.

Edward Day (St. Coman’s Roscommon), the Rev. Dean French, the Rev. John Armstrong.

Number of patients in hospital 5th

Jan 1829: 44.

Admitted to 6 Jan 1830: 335.

Total remaining and admitted: 379.

Discharged, cured, incurable etc: 336.

Died: 7

Remaining in hospital 5th

Jan 1830: 36.

Total discharged, died, and remaining: 379.

External patients relieved with advice, and

medicine during the year: 16,200.

Balance due to the public amounting to £1 3s. 81/2 d.

12

Figure 10. Isaac Ware description of the operations and the staff in 1831.

Infirmary contingent expenditure in 1831: Peas 10d. Mats 10s. 3d. paper 5s. 3d. Lodging,

clothing and supporting foundling £1 4s. 8d. brooms 13s. Tow and peas 4s. 11d. Basin 2s. 6d.

Carriage of medicine 3s. 3d. Flannel 7s. 61/2d. Printing accounts for 1828, £2. Postage 1s. 6d.

Linen 2s. 6d. Baskets 1s. 2d. Pitch 10d. Carriage of medicines £1 6s. 0d. Stamps 5s. Cleaning

windows 2s. 21/2 d. Straw £3 13s. 2d. Tin vessels 2s. 2d. Night caps 2s. 21/2d. Crock 5d.

Machine for broken limbs 4s. 8d. Linen etc. 9s. 81/2d. Lambskins etc. 5s. 0d. Carriage of

medicine £1 1s. 3d. Grave digger 5s. 1/2d. Two wooden legs £1 12s. 0d. Sundries linen etc. 8s.

2d. Stamps 4s. 4d. Extra nursetender 12s. 6d. Carriage of medicine 17s. 6d. Needles pullies

etc. 3s. 8d. pitch hoop and basket 4s. 4d. Mrs Sweeney as nursetender 10s. Lodging extra

patients during the year £8 6s. 81/2d. Carriage of ditto £2 9s. 6d. Harrison sweep contract £2

2s. Slator’s contract £2 10s. Gannon for pump contract £2 1s. plumber for water closets and

pump £6. Tow and peas £1 6s. 4d. Carriage of medicine 10s. 6d. Lard during year £10 18s. 8d.

Total £56 6s 8d.

In the middle of the Great Famine, 1847 was the worst year in the history of the infirmary with

an outbreak of fever (cholera) which resulted in deaths of many patients and two doctors, Dr

Robert Lloyd and Dr. Browne. Widespread fever existed on the streets and lanes of the town.

The cause of the fever was the ‘want of water in the town, not a drop of which can be had

within a mile of the town.’

13

ROSCOMMON INFIRMARY STAFF

Year Surgeon Apothacary Treasurer Registrar

1784 George Charters Unknown Unknown Unknown

1785 George Charters Unknown Unknown Unknown

1786 George Charters Unknown Unknown Unknown

1787 George Charters Unknown Unknown Unknown

1788 George Charters Unknown Unknown Unknown

1789 George Charters Unknown Unknown Unknown

1790 George Charters Unknown Unknown Unknown

1791 George Charters Unknown Unknown Unknown

1792 George Charters Unknown Edward Mills Esq Unknown

1793-1831 Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

1832 Dr Lysaght Unknown Unknown Unknown

1833 Dr Lysaght Unknown Unknown Unknown

1834 Dr Lysaght Mr Myles Casserly Bishop of Elphin James Kerns

1835 Dr Lysaght Mr Myles Casserly Bishop of Elphin Unknown

1836 Dr. Lysaght Mr Myles Casserly Bishop of Elphin Wm. Rosbotham

1837 Dr Robert Jones Lloyd MD Mr Myles Casserly Bishop of Elphin Wm. Rosbotham

1838 Dr Robert Jones Lloyd MD Mr Myles Casserly Bishop of Elphin Wm. Rosbotham

1839 Dr Robert Jones Lloyd MD Mr Myles Casserly John Carson Wm. Rosbotham

1840 Dr Robert Jones Lloyd MD Mr Myles Casserly John Carson Wm. Rosbotham

1841 Dr Robert Jones Lloyd MD Mr Myles Casserly John Carson Wm. Rosbotham

1842 Dr Robert Jones Lloyd MD Mr Myles Casserly John Carson Wm. Rosbotham

1843 Dr Robert Jones Lloyd MD Unknown John Carson Wm. Rosbotham

1844 Dr Robert Jones Lloyd MD Unknown John Carson Wm. Rosbotham

1845 Dr Robert Jones Lloyd MD Unknown John Carson Wm. Rosbotham

1846 Dr Robert Jones Lloyd MD Unknown John Carson Wm. Rosbotham

1847 Dr Robert Jones Lloyd MD Unknown

W.J. McLaughlin &

Rev.J. Flanagan Wm. Rosbotham

1847 Dr Brown Unknown W.J. McLaughlin Wm. Rosbotham

1847 Dr Peyton Unknown W.J. McLaughlin Wm. Rosbotham

1848 Dr Peyton Unknown W.J. McLaughlin Wm. Rosbotham

1849 Dr Peyton Unknown W.J. McLaughlin Wm. Rosbotham

1850 Dr Peyton Unknown W.J. McLaughlin Wm. Rosbotham

1851 Dr Peyton Unknown W.J. McLaughlin Wm. Rosbotham

1852 Dr Peyton Unknown W.J. McLaughlin Wm. Rosbotham

1853 Dr Peyton Unknown W.J. McLaughlin Wm. Rosbotham

1854 Dr Peyton Unknown W.J. McLaughlin Wm. Rosbotham

1855 Dr Peyton Unknown W.J. McLaughlin Wm. Rosbotham

1856 Dr Peyton G. Featherston W.J. McLaughlin Wm. Rosbotham

1857 Dr Peyton G. Featherston W.J. McLaughlin John Rosbotham

1858-1900 Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

1878-1928 Dr. E.T. Bleakeney Unknown Unknown Unknown

14

Description of the Infirmary Architecture.

There is no evidence to show who was the architect for the Infirmary building. From the style

of the building, and particularly the windows, a minor craftsman-architect must have been

involved. It is quite possible that Mrs. Walcot would have been familiar with some architects

working in Dublin. Due to the difficulty of travel in 18th

century Ireland the architect in

question may not have visited the site, but prepared a set of plans, elevations and possibly

section drawings. The Infirmary was built as a detached three-bay three-storey over basement

stone-built infirmary, built 1783, with entrance breakfront. Pitched and hipped slated roofs.

Rendered external rubble stone walls were probably originally rough cast in lime render with

limestone plinth course, quoins, continuous sill course to first floor windows. Cut limestone

surrounds to window openings, all containing paired and tripled timber sash windows.

Breakfront with round- and square-headed niches without sculptures, flanking windows.

Entrance with stone doorcase flanked by sidelights. Basement bounded by plinth wall

surmounted by cast-iron railings.

The original design of the building was no different than the design of a typical 18th

century

house. The floor plan probably had a large entrance hall with a fireplace and staircase (possibly

in limestone) at the back of the hall leading to above and below. There would have been one

room on each side containing a fireplace. The upper floors plans may have been similar but

with a room at the front over the hall.

15

Figure 11. Possible ground floor plan of Infirmary in 1785.

Subsequent developments of the building are indicated on the sketch below:

Figure 12. Summary of developments on site.

The Ordnance Survey of 1837 and 1838 shows small wings erected on each side of the original

building. It is possible that these wings were not three stories high.

16

Figure 13. 1838 Ordnance Survey of Infirmary.

This 1838 map shows the Infirmary set back from the road. A small porters lodge is located

near the front gate which is on an axis with the front door. Behind the main building is a lawn

(shown in green) and a walled garden for the growing of vegetables and herbs (shown in pink).

Circular Road does not exist yet. It is apparent that north and south wings are smaller than the

wings which exist today.

Is it possible that these earlier wings were extended or demolished and rebuilt in 1859 by John

McCurdy architect of Dublin? (see Fig 14 below).

17

Figure 14. Freemans Journal, 2 May 1859.

Prior to 1859 the Governors instructed Mr. John McCurdy, architect of 84, Westland Row,

Dublin to prepare plans for the extension of the infirmary. John McCurdy received his

professional training in the office of Frederick Darley, architect to Trinity College, Dublin. He

became clerk of works at Trinity College in the spring of 1850 at a salary of £25 per

quarter. With the erection of the new museum building at Trinity in 1855, he became

'Inspector of New Buildings' at a salary £28 per quarter, as well as receiving fees as

superintending architect. It was presumably at this point that he became the official college

architect, a post which he retained until his death. It was while he was ‘Inspector of New

Buildings’ that he prepared plans for the extension of the Roscommon County Infirmary.

Not everybody was happy with this proposal, or with the expenditure of £2,000 on the works,

or indeed the retention of the infirmary in its present form, as can be seen from the letters page

of the Roscommon Messenger of 20 August 1859:

‘THE COUNTY INFIRMARY August 16th., 1869.

Sir —As I perceive that you open your columns occasionally to free discussion on both

sides of a question. I would now test your honesty still further by referring to a subject,

for reminding me of which I am indebted to your last impression—I mean the

institution prefixed by this communication. In the publication I refer to, you gave some

account of the extensive additions now being made to the county infirmary. You

expatiated on the considerable architectural beauty of the building; and, lastly, you

mentioned that the effect of those improvements to double the amount of

accommodation heretofore available. We are also aware that said improvements are

18

effected at cost or £2.000, the money of the ratepayers this county - that the outlay was

solicited by the Board of Governors of the establishment, sanctioned by the Grand

Jury, and granted by the Lord Lieutenant. Now, what under heaven could have induced

anybody of rational mind to throw away two thousand pounds on such a project

surpasses my comprehension. To expend two thousand pounds on an institution which

the good sense of the United Kingdom doomed not long since to suppression, and

which was only saved the most violent exertions of those who then, as now, take so kind

an interest in its continuance! To devote two thousand pounds to embellishment of a

building to accommodate 100 patients, while the workhouses in this county, at the

moment 1 write, could provide with ease for 2,000, is an astounding fact. As to the

assertion that the infirmary is intended for a different class of patient and a different

kind of affection, to these admitted at the workhouse, it is all moonshine. I will meet the

first by referring to the liberty that has been accorded by the Commissioners to receive

patients 'by way loan' and for a perfect reputation of the second. I would refer to the

books of ' the infirmary. I will put plain, simple question. which can be answered by any

one of those gentlemen that skilfully, so quietly, and so successfully. contrived to secure

this £2000 of the public money to strengthen the claims of a justly tottering

establishment. I will ask them whether, at any time within their recollection, there was

not sufficient accommodation in the house for all those legally entitled to relief here -

wards can be packed as well as juries.— The chief ground on which this £2000 was

sought for, was to provide 'increased accommodation for the many applicants claiming

admission.' Now. the house could have accommodated 60 patients with ease, and let it

be shown by the books that that number of bona fide cases were ever treated in that

infirmary yes, or within 20 of that number I mean by this, cases that were not

admissible in the workhouse, and did not belong to Galway or some other county. If

this statement cannot be met, I say it is a sad mistake for anyone to palm off this

allocation of public funds as a boon for the poor, when in reality it is a prop to preserve

an institution the necessity for which no longer exists.

Of course, this enlargement of the infirmary will be made on the grounds for adding to

the £800 a year which the county has hitherto paid for its support; and I have no doubt

but patients will be got to fill every ward in it. But, notwithstanding, I am quite certain

names were appended to the memorial that never would have been there were the

owners aware of all the circumstances of the case, or were allowed time calmly to

consider the question. I will not now point out in what way this money might have been

more beneficially expended, but I may again refer to the subject.

Yours. Justicia.’

The 1891 Ordnance survey shows the building extended to double the depth. This work must

have been undertaken as part of McCurdy’s work in the late 1850s.

19

Figure 15. Ordnance Survey of 1891 showing the surgeons residence in the south wing.

This 1891 Ordnance Survey map shows many new subsidiary buildings on the north west

corner of the site, a water tank to address periods of water storage in the town, and an

unprecedented footbridge. A small stream must cross the site. Does it stay out of the

basement? We suspect that the building on the south boundary is the stable block. Opposite it

on the north side we are advised is a small fever hospital. Adjoining the front gate is the porters

lodge which serves as an out-patient dispensary. The site is nicely surrounded with mature

conifer and deciduous trees. The surgeon’s residential accommodation in the south wing now

appears to have its own front garden. A narrow circular road had appeared to the north of the

site.

20

A leaded glass window (see Fig. 16) which was originally located on the doors to the operating

theatre at the back of the

ground floor, and are now

located elsewhere within the

existing building. These

leaded lights indicates that

further additions were made

to the building under the

direction of John Gilbert

King D.L of Ballylinn. The

King family descend from

the Reverend Edward King,

Bishop of Elphin (1611-

1639) who was granted

lands, forfeited by the

O'Beirnes in the Drumsna

area of county Roscommon

early in the 17th century.

The Bishop built the

original houses at

Charlestown and Kilmore. Members of the family served as High Sheriffs of Leitrim in the

eighteenth century. Gilbert King was made a baronet in July 1815 and died in 1818. He was

succeeded by his nephew Robert, who died in 1825. Robert's son Gilbert became the 3rd

baronet and at the time of Griffith's Valuation he held an estate in the parishes of Kilmore,

barony of Ballintober North, and Aughrim, barony of Roscommon. In the 1870s Sir Gilbert

King owned 1,858 acres in county Roscommon, 4,328 acres in county Sligo and 480 acres in

county Leitrim. The King estate in North Sligo was principally in the parish of Drumcliff

though Griffith's Valuation and the Ordnance Survey Name Books indicate Sir Gilbert King

was the owner of a number of townlands in Tawnagh parish in Tirerrill barony also.

Figure 16. Leaded glass panel in the building today.

21

Figure 17. Ordnance Survey of Infirmary in 1923.

Although the1923 Ordnance Survey lacks the clarity of the earlier editions, it shows the 1902

work completed, which may include the tower which is located on the centre line. The roads

surrounding the Infirmary are still narrow because there are still very few private cars on the

road.

On 9 July 1927, Joseph Francis Delany architect of Clonmel invited tenders for the renovation

and improvement of the Roscommon Infirmary. The advertisement was placed in the Irish

Builder magazine. The works undertaken were probably incorporating new ideas about

sanitation, hand washing, and clean surfaces and installing electric light.

The Idea of a County Library

In August 1929 a representative of the Carnegie Trust, Mr. Wilson, attended a meeting of

Roscommon County Council, he said he had been requested by the secretary of the Carnegie

Library Trust to come to the meeting in order to give them some idea of the working of the

Library Schemes, and to explain to them how a library Scheme could be adopted for the

County of Roscommon. The Trust were prepared to make a grant to Roscommon of £1,250

for the purpose of starting a library.

In May 1930 the County Roscommon Library committee met for the first time with Right Rev.

Monsignor Cummins in the Chair. The Library committee recognised that they owed debt of

gratitude to Mr Carnegie and to Col. Mitchell of the Carnegie Trust for initiating a scheme and

contributing to the cost. Miss Browne, librarian submitted an estimate of the proposed costs. It

was agreed to set up bases in various towns, and to invite car owners to assist in transportation

22

of books and to invite tenders for the purchase books which had been selected by the Book

Selection Committee.

The Library headquarters were set up in the Roscommon courthouse before 1935.

In 1941 Mr J.T. O'Hanrahan the infirmary surgeon was involved in the relocation of the

Infirmary residents to the newly built County Hospital on the Athlone Road. It also served as

the inappropriate and unsustainable role as a training centre for the Roscommon senior

football team who won two successive All-Ireland championship finals in 1943 and 1944. The

Infirmary building became the headquarters for the County Library service in 1948. In 1965

the County Development team moved into the building. In 1977 there was an ultimately

unsuccessful suggestion to build a new library building. The County Council Laboratory

Department moved into the basement in 1982. In 1989 the entire building was torn apart and

most of the internal structures removed under the direction of Mary O’Carroll architect who

managed to remove absolutely every aspect of historic character from the interior of the

building. Michael MacNamara was the building contractor who completed the ‘renovation and

adaption’ works in forty weeks for the sum of £1,200,000. P. Flynn T.D. Minister of the

Environment cut the ribbon for the new library on 10 September 1990. Over thirty years it has

proven to be an efficient and popular facility for the people of Roscommon town and

surrounding area.

23

Figure 18. General view of the Infirmary/Library building today, with central door to library and door on the right providing access to the Surgeons residential accommodation.

Sundries

In 1861 there was a debate amongst the Governors about the type of bread given to the

patients. Children between 9 and 15 years were given griddle bread. It was said that griddle

bread was bad and unwholesome, especially for children. It was suggested that to substitute

white bread would be very little additional expense. Alternatively brown bread got from the

baker would be cheaper. The discussion also queried why the occupants of Roscommon

infirmary consumed 5 pints whiskey, 4 dozen bottles of wine per year. The doctors confirmed

all consumption of alcohol was recorded in the wine book. There are currently ‘13 patients are

on wine and whiskey and physical necessity exists for their use.’

In 1898 control of the Infirmary was transferred from the Grand Jury (who contributed £1000

per year) to the County Council. Other income was 3 gns. per person from the fourteen annual

subscribers who automatically became members of the board for that year. This revenue

stream produced £31 10s. Life governors, of which there are nine, pay £21 in one payment.

Will the governors be able to remain in position under the control of the County Council?

24

In 1907 the salary for a cook was £14 and a wardsmaid was £11.

A vacancy occurred for Infirmary gate-house keeper in 1928, resulting in 11 applications

including mountainy men coming down to town in an attempt to make a career for themselves

in the town. The position was given to Thomas Hoare who already worked for the Infirmary,

had a testimonial from the matron and was a member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence

Association.

In 1909 the Rockwood lands in Co. Galway were sold for £2,508 3s. 10d. and the money was

reinvested on the advice of a Dublin stockbroker and included:

i) £250 in Midland Great Western Railway 4% £100 debentures.

ii) £700 in Great Southern & Western Railway 4% £100 debentures.

iii) £650 in Belfast Corporation stock and 31/2 % guaranteed land stock

References:

Donamon Castle, http://www.aboutireland.ie/donamon-castle.htm (3 June2020)

Dunamon castle,

http://catalogue.nli.ie/Search/Results?lookfor=Donamon+Castle&type=AllFields&submit=FIND (3

June 2020).

Landed Estates Record: http://www.landedestates.ie/LandedEstates/jsp/estate-show.jsp?id=1281 (3

June 2020).

Walcott, http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie/LandedEstates/jsp/estate-show.jsp?id=1600 (3 June

2020).

Dublin Evening Post, various dates.

Roscommon Journal, various dates.

Roscommon Messenger, various dates.

Biographical index of Irish Architects

https://www.dia.ie/architects/view/1462/DELANY%2C+JOSEPH+FRANCIS

https://www.dia.ie/architects/view/3507/MCCURDY%2C+JOHN

25

National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-

search/building/31817040/roscommon-county-library-abbey-town-ballypheasan-roscommon-

Weld, Isaac, Statistical survey of the County of Roscommon (Dublin, 1832).

Irish Newspaper Archive. https://archive.irishnewsarchive.com/

British Newspaper Archive: https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/

Co. Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society Journal.