This is a rare visit to the county of Longford and the pity is that it shows two institutional buildings rather than the many fine sights there! The Convent of Mercy beside the Union building on a rise must have been dominating the town for many years. Not as difficult to locate as the bombed out bridge of last week but it will be nice to see what has changed here in the meantime?
Our interpid detectives have confirmed that the changes in the meantime include the addition of an
extra wing to the convent building, and the demolition of the
workhouse buildings themselves (on the right). The general consensus is that image was captured no more than a few years after the building of the convent (c.1892) - given the condition, unfilled statue niches, and saplings in the garden....
Photographer:
Robert French
Collection:
Lawrence Photograph Collection
Date: Catalogue range 1865-1914. Definitely after 1892 (built). Probably not long after 1892 (condition)
NLI Ref:
L_ROY_07954
You can also view this image, and many thousands of others, on the NLI’s catalogue at
catalogue.nli.ie
Info:
Owner:
National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Source:
Flickr Commons
Views: 20198
derangedlemur
That'd be this: maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V2,633658,781265,11,9
derangedlemur
The convent's still there. The workhouse has been replaced by a modern school. www.google.ie/maps/@53.7798055,-7.4896706,3a,75y,347.16h,...
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
Before the east wing was added ...
B-59
Built in 1892, extended in 1930 www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&...
Carol Maddock
Apologies for veering off topic - although not too far - but Helena Zinkham, head of the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress, gave us all a lovely compliment on the LOC's blog. She's been involved in Flickr Commons from when it was just a twinkle in George Oates' eye. Anyway, Helena says:
I think we're the only ones who get a special mention. :)Niall McAuley
Dates confirmed by the DIA: Foundation Stone laid 1892, 2 bay extension 1930. Architect was William Hague who also did this one:
John Spooner
Everything you ever wanted to know about Granard workhouse , including the story that it was still occupied after it closed in 1922.
Niall McAuley
The building looks pretty fresh, and the landscaping looks no more than a few years old. I'd say we are nearer 1892 than 1914.
Niall McAuley
L_ROY_07953 is another angle, and includes the school shown on the OSI 25" to the West. Looks like it could be the same day from window openings.
Niall McAuley
In the Lemur's streetview, the niche in the fancy central window contains a BVM statue, absent here. The niche is clearly intended for a statue, but it wasn't ready? Another hint that this is early in the life of the convent. (there is another empty niche on the left gable).
Niall McAuley
L_CAB_08234 virtually identical.
Niall McAuley
We have been up the road before, in 1901-1907, but I see in comments that French/Lawrence were here more than once.
derangedlemur
https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected] That's because we are the only ones who are special.
sam2cents
Those are some very unusual windows. I hope someday we have a Co. Shortford to go with Longford. Just lop off a bit of Armagh... the Brits wouldn't even notice because they never even go there. Or maybe south Donegal would be a good choice. Or west Wicklow, and they could have Blessington as the county town.
National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Brilliant - thanks https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected],https://www.flickr.com/photos/beachcomberaustralia, https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected], https://www.flickr.com/photos/gnmcauley and https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnspooner. I've updated the map, description and date!
oaktree_brian_1976
https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected] Anything to take their mind of that Trump fellow...
Niall McAuley
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sam2cents If we get a County Shortford, I think we should also have Eastmeath, Maynotto, Lemonrick, Rosrare and Undonegal.
sam2cents
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gnmcauley I really like Lemonrick and Undonegal... I'd be happy with those definitely. But the locations must be carefully decided.