The humble famine pots sole purpose was to feed the starving population of Ireland in the packed workhouses and in temporary soup kitchens that had been set up across the country.

Pots came from a number of different sources. The Quakers of Ireland, England, Turkey and US donated pots. By 1847 there were 1,850 temporary soup kitchens in operation and millions of people were dependent on a daily serving of soup or “stirabout” from the humble pots.

After the famine little value was attached to these pots. Many of them were used by farmers to feed animals, hold grain or other farming needs.

Stumbled on this one the other day all painted up and ready for its flower display!