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Description
Carmarthen Workhouse 1906
I think the narrative says " after the fire March 20 1906", which seems to fit the picture.
Whether it's the exact same building I don't know, but the place does have some significant history during the Rebecca Riots of the mid 19th century. I'm wondering if it is the same site as the Public Assist. Institute shown at the junction of Penlan and Brewery Roads (on a map in the book mentioned below).
On 19th June 1843, the workhouse was ransacked by Rebecca's 'children', the Water Street toll gate having been demolished earlier on 17th May. The crowds numbering some 500 on horseback and about 2000 on foot were led by Rebecca 'herself' and a band, with a man at the rear carrying a placard 'Cyfiawnder a Charwyr Cyfiawnder ydym ni oll' (Justice and Lovers of Justice are we all).
The procession started to wreck the workhouse but the 4th Dragoons then arrived by forced march from Cardiff and with sabres drawn arrested many people. Those punished included Shoni 'Scybor' Fawr and Dai y Cantwr who were transported and imprisoned respectively.
The suppression of these riots was followed by an official enquiry which resulted in the South Wales Turnpike Act to deal with some of the grievances which caused such socialunrest. (From The Story of Carmarthen by M & E Lodwick 1953).
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