Endorsements

Spanning more than a century, this study provides a comprehensive account of the groundbreaking work and social influence of the Protestant Orphan Society, one of the most significant yet under-documented nineteenth-century Irish Protestant charities. Featuring in-depth case-history analysis, it offers rare insights into the lives of Protestant families in the aftermath of bereavement. The book examines the charity's origins in Dublin, its progressive policies and its boarding-out and apprenticeship schemes; the important role of women as nurses and fundraisers; the foundation of local Protestant Orphan Societies, and opposition to its work. It argues that the pioneering system, which promoted children's health, education and eventual independence, represented a private outdoor poor relief measure that pre-dated state-sponsored boarding-out by more than thirty years and became the basis for modern concepts. The book discusses the gradual decline of the charity in the south from the early twentieth century and uncovers the distinguished figures who lent their support such as Ireland's first President Dr. Douglas Hyde, Dr. Ella Webb and Dr. Dorothy Stopford Price. It also focuses considerable attention on the children's experience while boarded-out and apprenticed and explores the many challenges faced by widows in reduced circumstances, including the sister of Irish playwright Sean O'Casey, as they endeavoured to provide for their children alone. This fascinating volume makes valuable contributions to the growing field of children's studies, women's history, the history of the family and social welfare and the study of Irish Protestantism. -