Section 1 Historical Context
Nineteenth Century Following the Napoleonic Wars in 1815, a recession set in, drastically reducing the demand for Irish goods and lowering export profits, leading to widespread unemployment, especially among workers in the provisions industry. In 1815, the Statistical Survey of County Cork highlighted the stark contrast between the middle and lower classes and called for the depopulation of Cork’s overcrowded slum areas, which included Shandon Street. Cork experienced further economic decline from the 1840s onward, with only a few traditional industries surviving. In 1856, the Murphy family established Lady’s Well Brewery on a large site to the east of Shandon formerly occupied by the Foundling Hospital. Cork became a hub for Ireland’s brewing industry, and by the 1880s, the brewery had expanded, with a new malt house completed in 1889. The Improvements Act and the 1890 Housing of the Working Classes Acts stressed the importance of clearing overcrowded slums. Large-scale efforts were financially unfeasible, however, Cork Corpoaration did initiate limited slum clearances. In 1888, a new housing scheme of sixteen single-storey artisan dwellings, known as Ryan’s Buildings, was completed at the Old Market Place, showcasing the typical design and materials of late 19th century Irish artisan housing. Rev James Dwyer in the 1897 edition of the Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society mentions that steep steps leading from the walls of Shandon Castle to the river were removed in the 1860s, possibly to make way for the laneways to the south of Dominick Street, which at the time was known as Dominick Street.
Part of Cork city, 1842 (National Archives of Ireland, OS 140, Source: RIA Irish Historic Town Atlas No. 31 Cork /Corcaigh) )
Project: Historic Character Assessment Client: Cork City Council
Date:
15/10/2024
Pg 5
Powered by FlippingBook