Dublin Female Penitentiary was a reform institution for "fallen women" in Dublin, Ireland. It was established in 1810 and opened in 1813. It was run by the Church of Ireland and located between Berkeley Road, Eccles Street and North Circular Road.Prostitution and Irish Society, 1800-1940 By Maria Luddy The institution could cater for over 40 inmates.Dublin Female Penitentiaries www.libraryireland.com
It was administered by a committee of ladies, for the religious and moral improvement of the women. While inmates were from all religious backgrounds (some other such institutions only accepted women of the religion of the institution), they had to adhere to the rules of the house and were instructed in the reformed faith. As with many protestant benevolent initiatives, many laywomen were involved.Protestant Female Philanthropy in Dublin in the Early 20th Century History Ireland, Issue 2, Summer 97. Vol5. Mrs. Paulus Aemilius Singer of Temple Street, who served as secretary of the committee, was a notable supporter of the institution.
Penitents were employed in a laundry, washing and mangling, and also performed needlework, hatmaking and mantua-making.Dublin Female Penitentiary - New picture of Dublin: comprehending a history of the city, By John James McGregor As with other similar institutions, the penitentiary was affiliated to a chapel (St. Augustine's Church, a chapel of ease in the parish of St George).St. George's Parish Dublin www.libraryireland.com There was a Repository where the penitents' work was sold, with income used to fund the institution. After eighteen months, places outside the laundry were sought for an inmate. Some inmates were sent to Queensland, Australia."Guide to Dublin charities" [edited by R.M. Barrett].
In 1840, the trustees put the chaplaincy under the visitation and clergy officiate under licence from the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin.'The Church of England Magazine - Clergymen of the United Church of England and Ireland', Volume 8, January–June, published by J. Burns, London, 1840
Associated people Viscount Lorton served as Governor. Baronet Sir Robert Shaw acted as treasurer.'Dublin Almanac and General Register of Ireland', Pettigrew & Oulton., 1835. Rev. William Burgh served as Chaplain to St. Augustine's from 1826 to 1847, Rev. William Jameson (of the whiskey producing family), Chaplain, Rev. N. W. Carre, Rev. Charles Brough and Rev. Robert Halpen also served as chaplains. A Rev. John Paine Sargent and a Rev. D. Flynn was an assistant chaplain. Anne Kathrens served as Matron.
Similar institutions Other similar protestant run institutions for "fallen women" in Ireland were Bethany Home, Rathgar, Dublin Bethesda Chapel, Dublin - the chapel had a female orphanage, and Locks Penitentiary for women Dublin by Lamplight, Ballsbridge, Dublin Episcopal Chapel and Asylum for Penitent Females, Baggot Street, Dublin Magdalen Asylum (Denny House) Leeson Street, Dublin Magdalene Asylum in Cork (Sawmill Street) Ulster Female Penitentiary, Belfast Ulster Magdalene Asylum, Belfast
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