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Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath: Wilson's Hospital School

Wilson鈥檚 Hospital School was founded in 1761 by Andrew Wilson, making it one of the oldest schools on the island of Ireland. It was founded as a school for poor Protestant boys. It was also a hospital for retired soldiers and gave a home to what were described as 鈥渄ecayed housekeepers鈥 鈥 women who were single and with no visible means of support.

Over time the school stopped its鈥 work as a hospital but still retained this title within its name. Rosemary Eager, principal of the school and local historian Ruth Illingworth tell the story of the school鈥檚 contribution to the great war 鈥 particularly at the Battle of Gallipoli.

Location: 53掳36'45.5"N 7掳25'09.6"W
Image: Wilson's Hospital School
Image courtesy of Wilson's Hospital School

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