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Ancestry UK

Bray Cripples' Home, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Republic of Ireland

The Bray Cripples' Home, for children with physical disabilities, was founded in 1874 by Lucinda Brady, a philanthropist, artist, writer, and promoter of the welfare of poor children, particularly those incapacitated by diseases of the spine, bones and joints. She gained the help of the Daily Express newspaper in raising funds to set up the home and was soon able to purchase a former workmen's hall on Lower Dargle Road, Bray, where 14 children could be accommodated. In 1876, after further fund raising, construction began of a new wing, raising the home's capacity to 40 places, which then also included a hospital and school.

Lucinda died from cancer in 1881 and her sister then took over the running of the home.

In 1896, another wing was opened for the accommodation and treatment of children with limb and skeletal problems, often as a result of poor nutrition.

The School site is shown on the 1910 map below.

Bray Cripples' Home site, Bray, c.1910.

The picture below shows the home (right of centre) and Lower Dargle Road on 26 August 1905 after the town was suffered a great flood. The home was a beneficiary of a disaster fund set up by Lord Meath.

Bray Cripples' Home (right of centre), Bray, Co. Wicklow, 26 August 1905. © Peter Higginbotham

In 1928, an open-air sunlight balcony was added. Lucinda and Louise had been interested in in heliotherapy and the beneficial effects of fresh air in the treatment of conditions such as tuberculosis. Two years later, this approach was reflected in the change of the home's name to Sunbeam House.

In 1958, the home changed its focus to the support of of what were then known as the mentally handicapped.

In 1962, the home moved to new premises known as Glenmalure house on Vevay Road, Bray.

Since then, the Sunbeam House Trust has greatly expanded its operations and services.

The Lower Dargle Road building is now used as retail premises.

Records

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  • None identfied at present — any information welcome.

Bibliography

Except where indicated, this page () © Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.