18/06/2026
The diet within the Poor House was plain and unadventurous. The basis of the meals were oatmeal, potatoes and buttermilk, with meat served about once a week. The fare was typical of most labourers of the time and indeed the residents of the Poor House received more meals and larger quantities than many of those outside. Creations called Stirabout and Lobscouse were developed to provide reasonably nourishing, but bland meals.
Although diet did not escape comment by Mary Ann and the Ladies Committee. “The Ladies Committee take the liberty to recommend that the Nursey children be allowed half a pint of sweet milk per day as conducive to health and strength. The gentlemen are no doubt aware that there is but little nourishment in buttermilk…the health and consequent comfort and well being thro’ life depend in a great measure on proper nourishment and treatment during the period of infancy.”
The half pint was granted, and once Mary Ann saw the opening she appealed for sweet milk for the children in the infirmary and once that was granted he requested the children receive more bread. She was a constant friend to the children, fighting their corner and never being satisfied with the status quo.
