The Banbridge Workhouse Memorial Garden on Linenhall Street has been cleaned up thanks to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s grounds maintenance team, following a request from a member of the public.
The memorial garden sculptures were created in 2009 by artist Darren Sutton, who was commissioned by the then Banbrige District Council. The sculpture of three bronze figures at the centre of the garden entitled ‘First Day at the Workhouse’ portrays a family being separated upon entering the workhouse for the first time. The two bronze books flanking the figures include extracts from the Banbridge Admissions Register, Information on the Banbridge Poor Law, as well as maps and plans for the workhouse, adding further poignance to the scene.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr said:
“The Workhouse Memorial Garden is an important local historic site and local people have a very emotional connection to it. I was pleased to be able to help the member of the public who approached me to ask for the garden to be tidied up, and our Grounds Maintenance team did a superb job as usual.”
The council website’s ‘Report’ function allows members of the public to report a variety of concerns such as street cleansing, dangerous structures, and animal welfare issues, among others. You can submit reports at this link: www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/apply-report-make-a-payment.
To find out more about local workhouses visit: www.workhouses.org.uk.
