Housing in NI in the 50s query

[bennydorano]

Had a random conversation with my mum today that came round to housing discrimination in the 50's. She was telling me in response to Stormont' s discriminatory policies the Catholic Church in the area helped fund and build houses in Armagh (St Brigid' s Hill). All the work was done by volunteers and the houses sold at cost price to families with the greatest need (guessing having kids was the main criteria, but you also had to be able to pay for the house).

Have to say this was the first I've ever heard of this (I did A Level History too!), was this unique to Armagh or common across Nl in that era? Did I Mitch too much school?

[armaghniac]

While fully supported by Stormont, housing policy was down to the Local Authority, and the situation varied greatly from place to place.

[bennydorano]

The Catholic Church involvement angle is what i'm interested in. Apparently the houses in St Brigid's hill were referred to as parish / parochial houses.

[bennydorano]

Bump. Where are all the school teachers & historical society buffs.

[lawnseed]

First I heard of this. I heard that the "taylor cottages" that were built as semis in rows of ten had to be occupied by 8 prods before the last two of the group could be given to catholic tennants

[el_cuervo_fc]

The Catholic Church involvement angle is what i'm interested in. Apparently the houses in St Brigid's hill were referred to as parish / parochial houses.

First I heard of this. This was where I lived for my first 11 years too.

[The Iceman]

First I heard of this. I heard that the "taylor cottages" that were built as semis in rows of ten had to be occupied by 8 prods before the last two of the group could be given to catholic tennants

that certainly is not true in armagh. The taylor cottages I know of had no protestants in them at all or at any time.

I asked about st brigids hill but my Da hadn't heard - very interesting!

[bennydorano]

It is interesting, mentioned it to a few Armachians in work & it was news to all of  them too. My Da assures me it was the case, he helped build them, but as him & my mum had only then recently married & had no kids, they weren't considered for a house.

[The Iceman]

let us know what more you find out benny? very interested in this old history of the town, particularly that area for obvious reasons

[The Iceman]

was talking to one of the Nugents from St Brigid's hill and they confirmed Benny. Their Granda worked on it too. I'll get more info from them if I can. Good find!

[Ulick]

Had a random conversation with my mum today that came round to housing discrimination in the 50's. She was telling me in response to Stormont' s discriminatory policies the Catholic Church in the area helped fund and build houses in Armagh (St Brigid' s Hill). All the work was done by volunteers and the houses sold at cost price to families with the greatest need (guessing having kids was the main criteria, but you also had to be able to pay for the house).

Have to say this was the first I've ever heard of this (I did A Level History too!), was this unique to Armagh or common across Nl in that era? Did I Mitch too much school?

Was common enough but I wouldn't give credit to the 'Church' but individual Orders. In Lurgan the houses in Warren St were rented out at around £1 per month right up until the 90s by the Sisters of Mercy in the convent next door. Mary St and the top part of Brownlow Terrace in Freecrow were let on a similar basis although these were demolished in the early 80s.