Famine walls
Wall-building projects in Ireland from famine times
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Famine walls were built throughout Ireland, especially in the west and south, in the mid-19th century, during the Great Famine. A great deal of these walls were built in Catholic communities in the north.[1] The walls were built as famine-relief works projects, sponsored by landlords and churches to provide work and income for unemployed peasants.[2][3][4][5]
Purpose
Many of the walls served little practical purpose other than giving work to the poor and clearing the land of stones.[6] The stones were collected from nearby fields and mountains.[1] However, one particularly important use of the famine walls was to establish and divide the properties of farmers and locals.[7]
The walls are generally around 8–10 feet high and 300 yards long.[3] Along some of the walls are periodic holes built in to the structures, which records say were a way for two parties to stand on opposite sides of the wall and touch fingers through a hole, signifying making an agreement or contract.[2][3]
Building these famine walls was incredibly demanding work. Due to the ongoing famine, some passed away while working.[8]
Payment
Men and women alike were hired to build these structures, but were paid differently despite doing the same work.[1] Additionally, young boys over the age of ten were hired.[1] Men, who earned 10 pence, were paid more than women and children, who earned 4 pence, for 10 hours of work.[1] Furthermore, each, regardless of age or gender, received one meal every 14 days for their work.[1]
