Albro Castle

About

Albro Castle is a former workhouse in the north of the village of St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire, Wales. The building was Grade II* listed in 1992 as one of the least-altered workhouses in Wales. After closing as a workhouse in 1935 the buildings were bought by Pembrokeshire County Council and in 1948 were sold into private ownership.

Construction: The site was purchased for £290 by the Cardigan Poor Law Union. Plans and specifications were drawn up by William Owen of Haverfordwest who was appointed to oversee the works. Benjamin Evans was commissioned to build the workhouse for £2,700 and Owen was paid £160. The Board of Guardians would arrange for hedges to enclose the workhouse and an access road from the beach. On 9 March 1839 the Board passed a resolution: That no parochial relief be granted to any applicant keeping a dog. The buildings were completed in 1840 for the Poor Law Commissioners at a cost of £3,250. The workhouse was to provide for the poor of 26 parishes in Cardiganshire and Pembrokeshire. The two-storey original building included a bakehouse, and had Tudor-style doorways and chimneys. The layout of the complex was three blocks connected by a central spine, giving...