SNIPPET: The workhouse system was introduced to Ireland under the Poor Law Act of 1838. In appearance and administration workhouses reflected the ethos of the act, being designed to deter anyone not in dire need from entering. The buildings were constructed according to standardized plans drawn up by the English architect George WILKINSON, and furniture was kept to a minimum. Families were required to enter the workhouse together, individual members being ineligible for relief. Once admitted family groups were split up, with men, women, and children over a year of age being assigned to separate wards. Food was limited and monotonous, consisting primarily of porridge, potatoes, and milk; discipline was strict. Inmates were required to work at breaking stones, or at manual tasks about the house. Children were required to attend workhouse schools. Many workhouses also contained hospitals in which, from 1862, the non-destitute could also receive treatment. In independe! nt Ireland, following the abolition of the workhouse test for relief in the period after 1921, many workhouses were converted into county homes for the elderly or into hospitals; others were closed. In Northern Ireland, although the system survived until 1946, the number of workhouses declined; 20 were converted into district hospitals during the 1920s and 1930s. Additional reading: J. O'Connor, "The Workhouses of Ireland: The Fate of Ireland's Poor" (1995).