Islay Combination Poorhouse, Bowmore, Argyllshire
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Islay Combination Poorhouse, Bowmore, Argyllshire
The Islay Combination Poorhouse was established in around 1865 near Bowmore, Islay. It later became known as Gortanvogie House
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4419165
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10418760
1865 Bleak Combination Country Side Fields Islay L Aw Lane Poor Poor House Poverty Scot Land Workhouse Workhouses 1860s
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the Islay Combination Poorhouse, situated near the picturesque village of Bowmore in Argyllshire, Scotland. Established around 1865, this historic building served as a place of last resort for the destitute and impoverished residents of Islay during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The term "Combination Poorhouse" refers to a system of poor relief that was established under the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which aimed to consolidate the administration of poor relief and reduce the number of workhouses. The image portrays a bleak and austere scene, with the imposing stone building standing solitarily against a backdrop of rolling fields and a winding country lane. The road leading to the poorhouse is barely visible, suggesting the isolation and seclusion of those who sought refuge within its walls. The fields, dotted with sheep and cattle, offer a stark contrast to the barren and uninviting appearance of the poorhouse. The Islay Combination Poorhouse, later known as Gortanvogie House, housed the poor, the sick, and the elderly, providing them with shelter, food, and clothing in exchange for labor. The inhabitants were required to work within the poorhouse, performing tasks such as spinning, weaving, and farming. The harsh living conditions and the stigma attached to being a resident of a workhouse made it a place of last resort for those who had no other means of support. This photograph, taken in 1905, offers a glimpse into the past and serves as a poignant reminder of the historical significance of workhouses in Scotland's rural communities during the 1860s and beyond. The image's haunting beauty invites us to reflect on the lives of those who sought refuge in such institutions and the challenges they faced in a time of poverty and hardship.
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