Glencree Reformatory, Ireland
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Glencree Reformatory, Ireland
A view of St Kevins Reformatory School, Glencree, near Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland Date: circa 1872
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Media ID 14347243
© Peter Higginbotham /Mary Evans Picture Library
1872 Carehome Enniskerry Kevins Reformatory Services Welfare Wicklow Childrens
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a glimpse into the past of St. Kevin's Reformatory School at Glencree, near Enniskerry, County Wicklow, Ireland. Circa 1872, the image offers a poignant view into the daily life of this children's home and care institution. Established in 1848, St. Kevin's Reformatory School was one of several reformatories and industrial schools operated by the Christian Brothers in Ireland during the late 19th century. The photograph shows a group of young boys, dressed in uniforms, gathered around the entrance of the school. Their expressions are a mix of curiosity, apprehension, and perhaps even defiance. The stone building looms behind them, its barred windows and imposing facade a reminder of the institutional setting. At the time, St. Kevin's Reformatory School was intended to provide care and rehabilitation for neglected, delinquent, and orphaned children. However, the conditions within these institutions were often harsh, with long hours of manual labor, strict discipline, and limited education. The boys in this photograph may have been sent to St. Kevin's as a last resort, having been failed by their families or the social services of the time. Despite the challenging circumstances, the photograph also reveals moments of human connection and resilience. The boys huddle together, seeking comfort and companionship, while a few reach out to touch the hand of a passing figure in the background. These fleeting moments of tenderness offer a reminder of the essential need for care and support, even in the most difficult of environments. Today, St. Kevin's Reformatory School stands as a poignant reminder of Ireland's social history and the evolving nature of children's care services. The photograph invites us to reflect on the experiences of these children and the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable youth.
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