The Courthouse

This is the Courthouse, built during the Famine as one of the Relief Schemes. The economic policy of the day, called Laissez Faire, determined that local business could not be interfered with by giving people food. Instead, they would offer work and people would buy their own food. Unfortunately, starving people found it difficult to work. In times of scarcity prices went up. Many built up large debts. Many succumbed to the many illnesses and diseases that accompany famine. Round the corner dfrom the courthouse you will see a Soup Kitchen which offered people a bowl of soup to help them through the day. This was operated by benevolent Quakers in the town and supported by donations from all over the world.