COMMENT
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Enniskillen Workhouse claims a unique place in the historical landscape of the county of Fermanagh and the island of Ireland. Coincidentally, it has also become a significant marker in the history of our own practice. Opened in 1845, this grim Victorian edifice was one of 160 workhouses designed by George Wilkinson. At its peak, 10,000 people passed through its doors, as the Great Famine ravaged the land and its inhabitants. Only a handful of workhouses still survive and, until recently, what remained of Enniskillen’s once darkly imposing structure was a crumbling ruin, in danger of disappearing forever and taking its stories with it.
College, supported by a £2.3m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Now falling under the auspices of Erne Campus, the scheme has repurposed the workhouse as a business hub equipped for the needs of the 21st century, running alongside a heritage centre operated by Fermanagh County Museum. During the build around 100 local craftspeople and apprentices benefited from heritage training which saw traditional skills used to preserve original features which sit comfortably alongside modern exhibition, office and meeting spaces.
Had prompt action not been taken we would, for example, know nothing about William Ferguson, a young boy in desperate circumstances who entered the workhouse in 1859. We can be sure of the date because we found his Bible.
As I mentioned, Enniskillen Workhouse was a particularly special project for us, in that it was also the final scheme delivered (on behalf of our conservation arm, Kriterion Conservation Architects) at the tail end of our 50th Anniversary year.
Perhaps the workhouse bell, which still survives, rang to summon him to a meal of soup made from cows’ heads, or he donated a worn-out shoe to the dozens found hidden in the attic, apparently for luck.
Hamilton Architects have been working to improve the built environment of Northern Ireland and beyond since 1972, which has helped us appreciate the importance of preserving the best of the past, while creating futureproof designs.
We do not know what happened to young William in the end. We can only hope he survived, as many did, and went on to enjoy happier times. However, thanks to the visionaries behind this fascinating project, we do know something of his life and that of his companions.
As 2023 begins in earnest, we aim to continue to conserve, renovate, design and re-imagine our architectural landscape for new generations. And we invite you, before the year is out, to walk in the footsteps of young William Ferguson at Enniskillen Workhouse.
The £3.25m Enniskillen Workhouse renovation and development scheme was a collaboration between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and South West
Paul Millar, Partner Hamilton Architects (See Case Study on Enniskillen Workhouse on page 28)
Paul Millar Partner, Hamilton Architects
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